The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Rise of Nations

By: Andrew C. Fix, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Andrew C. Fix

Length: 24 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Between 1348 and 1715, western Europe was fraught with turmoil, beset by the Black Plague, numerous and bitter religious wars, and frequent political revolutions and upheavals.

Yet the Europe that emerged from this was vastly different from the Europe that entered it. By the start of the 18th century, Europe had been revitalized and reborn in a radical break with the past that would have untold ramifications for human civilization.

This comprehensive series of 48 lectures by an award-winning teacher and scholar sheds new light on this critical period by exploring the political, social, cultural, and economic revolutions that transformed Europe between the arrival of the Black Death in the 14th century to the onset of the Enlightenment in the 18th century.

It explains

• how these startling changes came about;
• the social, economic, and political factors that helped steer Europe away from the Middle Ages and into the modern world;
• the kinds of patterns we can see during this time; and
• how these centuries were critical to the entire narrative of history and have contributed to the Western world we know today.

Professor Fix covers a remarkable breadth of subjects relating to European history from 1348 to 1715. While religion, politics, wars, and economics dominate this period, he also pays close attention to art, exploration, science, and technology.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses

Probably my favorite TGC lecture to date

I went into this lecture knowing very little about the subject matter. I found this lecture very informative and surprisingly entertaining. Professor Fix was very knowledgeable not only in the subject matter but also in areas where historian can occasionally fall short, ie economics. Overall I give this lecture and A+.

Fantastic

Remarkable breadth of lectures. Highly recommended to any library of European history. Worth the price.

The renaissance and the reformation, indeed

Any additional comments?

I was looking for the lectures about western history that cover the period between the middle ages and the 18th century. These lectures seemed to be a perfect match. They do provide a connection between the middle ages and the renaissance, though the events from the earlier period were described somewhat sketchy. The main parts of these lectures are the renaissance and the reformation. I did enjoy the reformation part that was presented clear and with a lot of details. I cannot claim the same about the renaissance part. The last part of lectures is about absolutism and scientific revolution. They are described in a rather broad way, so I did not feel that I get a clear connection to the 18th century as I expected.

Bleak but the enlightenment makes it hopeful

Prepare yourself to have laid before you all that is beautiful, wonderful and horrific about humanity.

Captivating Lectures on this Period of History

Had to be one of the best courses I've taken. Professor Fox is truly a great storyteller. He takes the listener from the Renaissance all the way through the early Enlightenment. I listened intently and enjoyed every minute of it as he
brought to life this history. Excellent speaker, so easy to listen to.

Quality education.

Loved listening to this after the Foundations of Western Civilization l. I'll listen to the enlightenment course next, followed by Foundations ll.

Three Courses in One

Overall, this is a very good course. The professor takes the listener through the beginning of the Renaissance up to about the Age of Revolution. My only complaint, if I really have one, is that these are three distinct topics. The Renaissance, the Reformation and the Rise of Nations could each be their own Great Course. This course handles the Reformation section the best and dedicates the most overall time to that topic. It seems a little weak on the Renaissance side with something of a hurry to get to the Reformation. There are lots of good things to learn in this course, and it is worth the time.

Very educational!

I learned more about this period by listening than from all of my schooling! I would recommend this to any lover of history. I was left wanting to hear more when I realized it was over.

Informative, but a bit wordy

Positives:
Professor Fix certainly knows the material and he explains it in a narrative style. This is definitely the best course for the period.

Cons:
Professor Fix often repeats himself and he is a bit dry at times... use more humor! I often felt that he subtly pushed a certain interpretation - unintentionally though- judging by how he would sometimes contradict himself later.

Overall, this is the history course you should listen to for this period, but it's not the strongest Great Courses' course I've listened to. Compared to other lecture providers, it'd be considered strong

Informative and well presented.

I benefit from the scope, detail, and insights of Dr. Fix. I hope he records a another presentation for The Great Courses.