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Title: The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (Penguin Classics) by Jacob Burckhardt, S.G.C. Middlemore, Peter Burke ISBN: 0-14-044534-X Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: December, 1990 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.95

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Average Customer Rating: 4.43 (7 reviews)

Rating: 3
Summary: Good, but outdated and severely lacking.
Comment: For better or worse, this classic has shaped the concept of the "Renaissance" for most non-professionals. A century plus later, much of it still works, and is full of fascinating stories, asides, and bits of information.
Keep in mind, though, that it IS a century old. I cringed every time I encountered phrases like this (in the Introduction):
"[taxes were]...collected by those cruel and vexatious methods without which, it is true, it is impossible to obtain any money from Orientals."
Similarly, his take on women's status of the period is ill informed, if not wholly unfounded. Of course, most of the scholarship in this area happened in the last 50 years, so Burckhardt is not to blame.
Most importantly, most scholars now believe that many "renaissance" elements actually occurred in the 12th century, not 15th (for example, the idea of man as an individual). This seriously undermines his entire thesis- that a revival of classical values, joined with the unique Italian setting was responsible for the Renaissance.
It's an interesting thesis, and attractive in its simplicity. It also does not hold up under closer examination.
Overall, it's a classic for good reason, and well worth a look-- surprisingly, it's also quite well written, with clear, engaging prose and wonderful anecdotes.
It should N-O-T be seen as the ultimate guide to the Renaissance, though, or anything close to it!

Rating: 4
Summary: Not the best edition.
Comment: Yes, this is still the standard for studies of the Renaissance. But the book deserves a better edition: especially one with relevant illustrations on the page. The best I've seen is the 1958 two-volume Illustrated Edition by the Perennial Library of Harper & Row: not only are all notes conventiently at the bottom of the page, but over 240 illustrations grace the text, usually next to the mention of the subject. Too bad it is out of print. I hope an enterprising publisher will rise to the challenge.

Rating: 5
Summary: The Ciivilization of the Renaissance in Italy
Comment: A better book could not have fallen into my hands! An American professor in Venice recommended it, and after I read it I was only sorry I had not read it before going to Italy. The mystery of its medieval, rather Renaissance cities (Florence, Venice, among others) would have been clearer; even today's Italians' ways and personality. So much a product of Renaissance Italy...and its wonderful heritage from Ancient Rome. I truly recommend this book for Italy lovers, anyone going there soon, or for the sheer joy of reading a good history book. Jacob Burckkhardt is one of the most intelligent, enlightened historians I know.

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