The Renaissance

A History of Civilization in Italy from 1304 - 1576 AD, The Story of Civilization, Volume 5

By: Will Durant

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 37 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

An engrossing volume on the Italian Renaissance by Pulitzer Prize - winning historian Will Durant

The fifth volume of Durant's acclaimed Story of Civilization,The Renaissance chronicles the history of Italy from1304 to 1576. In this masterful work, listeners will encounter

• the poets Petrarch and Boccaccio, the fathers ofthe Renaissance;
• the paintings, sculptures, and architecture ofMilan, Florence, and Venice;
• the life and accomplishments of Leonardo DaVinci;
• the Catholic church and the popes of Avignon and Rome;
• the politicians and philosophers of Italy,including the Borgia family, Julius II, and Machiavelli;
• the Italian Wars, the conflicts with France, and the country's decline.

©2014 Will Durant (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Fascinating Journey through the Renaissance

I’m so happy to have found Will Durant’s series on the history of civilization. This volume recounts the events of the Renaiissance from Leonardo to Michelangelo and the transformation of Europe through the 14th to 16th Centuries. This aeries turns my commutes into a virtual lecture hall. Thanks, Audible!

Another perfect classic

The best so far in the series. Durant puts together another literary masterpiece. He and Ariel are among the titans of civilization that he writes about. Volume 5 is a work of art like the statue of David, the Mona lisa, the school of Athens.

Worth every minute

I bought this book before my 3rd trip to Italy. I honestly thought I'd only listen to some of it. I listened to the entire 35 hours and learned more than I've learned from any book since college. I listened to many chapters twice so I could retain the information or synthesize what I was learning with what I already knew. The reader is excellent and the writing is thoughtful, analytical but also surprisingly entertaining. Anyone who loves history and wants to get a grand overview of this remarkable time in history should read this book.

Great addition to the series

I did not expect much from this volume which made this one extra special. There is so much here that touches the soul and informs what it means to be human, chiefly, with the development of humanism, contrasted against some of the most vicious and dark periods in human history. The people that are covered are magnificent, the political and spiritual battles fought in the hearts and minds and hands of the people are on par with ancient Greece and ancient Rome. The context for the national union of the Italian kingdoms into an Italian state is heartbreaking. During the period of the Renaissance, civilization was being built anew. Notable achievements covered are the formation of modern European culture, religion, decency, etiquette, art, science, and medicine.

well written well read

it is very long but the amount of detail is part of allure of Durant's books. he can always be counted on for a humorous turn of phrase while still giving you the history as best as he knew it at the time

Renaissance of the arts

The extent of the renaissance is more on the arts. Although too much story about the arts than evolution, religion continues to fight for supremacy and secularism begins to form with the coming of the reformation. We see a transformation where people become more overtly greedy and lewd.

Compared to the previous volumes, this is not the most interesting history of civilization (although I have yet to finish the collection). The narrator is excellent and knows how to stylized the meaning.

I feel the renaissance was a hope for classics, but failed with selfish and weak leaders. The wise men did not get involved nor were the philosophers. Arts is for the sensations more than intellect.

Wonderful History Wonderful Insight

A pleasure to hear Durant's insights expressed. The research, knowledge and depth of understanding is awesome. Narrator does him justice. I can even forgive his insistent mispronunciation of the word schism.

Superlative work

This is an astonishing work. Wil Durant delivers the Renaissance in satisfying and surprising depth, breadth. I learned so much listening to this book. Kudos to the author, his team and the reader.

A Gem Filled with Detail but Dated!

Will Durant, the man who put Simon & Schuster on the map, delivers the most researched account of the Renaissance I've read. He dives into the details of the famous tales of the time with facts and background I've never heard.

The down side was Durant's unobjective treatment of homosexuality that prevailed the 14th and 15th centuries in Italy. He is also the harshest art critic I've ever heard (which was refreshing).

He didn't stumble over himself with fawning praise of the giants like Michelangelo. In fact, the author pointed out imperfections in the "perfect" Pieta and David works.

But, please, did his editors not catch his use of "Michael" and "Angelo" when referring to Michelangelo? The man's name is Michelangelo Buonarroti! Not Michael Angelo. Urgh!!!

Overall a great book!

I’m in Italy now and am really glad I listened to this it has enhanced my trip considerably.

I’m in Italy now and am really glad I listened to this, it has enhanced my trip considerably.