The extraordinary creative energy of Renaissance Italy lies at the heart of modern western culture. This creativity extended far beyond the visual arts and architecture: dress history; dance history; food history; ritual and ceremonial all contributed to this vibrant rebirth. Virginia Cox here explores the material and economic output of the period; from the late 13th to the 16th century; when Italy led the world in painting; building; science; literature and music. As the medieval period exploded into a new era of self-confidence; a rediscovery of classical authors and their philosophical principles coincided with the political and economic rise of Florence; especially under the powerful Medici princes; and the later ascendancy of Venice and Rome. But the Renaissance enjoyed a rich regionality beyond these familiar centres. The author thus explores the arts in Milan; Ferrara; Mantua; Urbino and even Naples. She examines too the impact of rhetoric and performance on key texts like Machiavellirsquo;s The Prince and Castiglionersquo;s Book of the Courtier; as well as the role of women; both as patrons of the arts and creative artists in their own right. lsquo;Renaissance womanrsquo;; Cox boldly argues; is as important a legacy as lsquo;Renaissance manrsquo;.
#2025657 in eBooks 2016-02-29 2016-02-29File Name: B01CS0Z5FO
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. selective nostalgiaBy Ken KardashBeing part of a series called Images of Modern America. I suppose I should not be surprised that is essentially a collection of snapshots from the mid-twentieth century onward. But part of the allure of Key West is its older history. For example. even the most casual visitor will notice the extensive Civil War fortifications. But aside from offshore Fort Jefferson. none of these sites are featured here. And other than the Bahamian conch houses that everyone finds so charming. the Bahamian heritage is barely mentioned. Even among modern attractions. many of the most iconic are mysteriously absent. such as the historic shipyard. open-air aquarium and quirky cemetery.The photos are divided into arbitrary chapters. but there is an overwhelming. Chamber of Commerce-style focus on the touristy Old Town area and the endless festivals designed to promote it. Missing is any sense of some of the quotidian pleasures of the people who actually live here! The short section on the military doesnrsquo;t do justice to the past and continuing influence the Navy has had in shaping the town.One strength of the collection is spotlighting some of the eccentric characters that helped create the unique atmosphere of Key West. A weakness is the captions which somehow manage to be both brief and rambling. sometimes repeating the same information within a few sentences.As someone who loves Key West. I found this album didnrsquo;t capture the scope of its appeal. For a well-written introduction. try the classic The Florida Keys by Joy Williams. For flip-through photos and factoids. True Secrets of Key West Revealed is a better bet.
