The Italian Renaissance

De: Kenneth R. Bartlett, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Kenneth R. Bartlett

The effects of the Italian Renaissance are still with us today, from the incomparable paintings of Leonardo da Vinci to the immortal writings of Petrarch and Machiavelli. But why was there such an artistic, cultural, and intellectual explosion in Italy at the start of the 14th century? Why did it occur in Italy? And why in certain Italian city-states such as Florence?

Professor Bartlett probes these questions and more in 36 dynamic lectures. This is your opportunity to appreciate the results of the Italian Renaissance and gain an understanding of the underlying social, political, and economic forces that made such exceptional art and culture possible. At the heart of Renaissance Italy were the city-states, home to the money, intellect, and talent needed for the growth of Renaissance culture. You'll look at the Republic of Florence, as well as other city-states that, thanks to geographical and historical circumstances, had much different political and social structures. This course contains a wealth of details that will give you a feel and appreciation for the Italian Renaissance - its contributions to history, the ways it was similar and dissimilar to our times, and how the people of the time, both famous and ordinary, experienced it. You'll come away surprised by how much of our modern life was made possible by the Renaissance. Our concept of participatory government, our belief in the value of competition, our philosophy of the content and purpose of education, even our notions of love all have roots in the Renaissance period. Its loftiest ideals - the importance of the individual, the value of human dignity and potential, and the promotion of freedom - are ones we embrace as our own.

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

Excellent Review of the Renaissance

This book really filled gaps that were missing in my understanding of the Renaissance! I would strongly recommend this audiobook to anyone who has an interest in this incredible era.

A little too academic for me....

Would you consider the audio edition of The Italian Renaissance to be better than the print version?

Don't know

What did you like best about this story?

Its overall approach is very interesting

Which character – as performed by Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett – was your favorite?

Not relevant

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The very beginning

Any additional comments?

It just reads to much like a very dry academic text book. I have not felt this way about a number of other great course that I have listened to.

Depth of knowledge amazing and easy listen

Depth of knowledge amazing and easy listen

Exceeded expectations. Going through the chapters with chronological mixed with significant people made it feel like layers building and adding more appreciation for period.

Great political and philosophical overview

Although Bartlett doesn’t cover much art in this series, he paints a detailed picture of the Italian world during the time of the Renaissance.

Excellent Course!

This course was wonderful. The lectures were interesting and thought provoking, and it is easy to see Kenneth Bartlett is an expert in his field. I highly recommend this course if you are interested in the Renaissance.

Overarching account of Italian Renaisance

From the beginning of the humanist movement with Petrarch to the end of the Renaissance at the times of the Council of Trent and the counterreform, passing through the history of each of the main centers where Renaissance sprang and developed. An excellent view of the European powers context, as well.

Working my way thru history

Both of Prof Bartlett’s course on the Italian Renaissance are both a very accessible primer but as well a good reminder for those like myself who have not studied the Renaissance since, if ever college, and the notes in pdf materials allows me to catch the Italian spelling and names. I just finished both courses and already I have gone back to listen to selected episodes .

Interesting but Something's Missing

This is a very interesting course that I greatly enjoyed. The professor is talented, and he presented a lot of information that I did not know. My one criticism is the notable absence of any in-depth discussion of the great Italian artists of the Renaissance. This is not so much a history of the Renaissance as it is a history of Italy during the Renaissance period. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the course, and feel like I learned a great deal. I recommend it to anyone...just don't expect to hear much about Leonardo or Raphael.

One of the best from the Great Courses

What did you love best about The Italian Renaissance?

The course is well structured, informative and engaging. It is delivered with passion and verve by an animated and engaged professor. I have listened to around 40 of the great course and rate this as one of the very best. I was sad when it ended as it was deeply engaging.

What did you like best about this story?

The way in which the disparate elements of the Renaissance story are synthesised. The elements, personalities and locations are considered separately, for example, Geography, Florence, Venice, Machiavelli etc. are covered in detail. Yet, these elements are drawn together into a cohesive whole. Each element is integrated into an overall 'picture of the renaissance as you go. The threads are all drawn together beautifully and by the end of the course you understand not just the origins, development and conclusion of the renaissance, but importantly, have a coherent understanding of the philosophy and motivations that drove it. The lecture throws in biographical and historical details to retain your interest. This is the sort of course you want to share with others. My parents purchased it at my recommendation and also loved it.

What about Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett’s performance did you like?

A passionate and very informed professor. Not afraid to go deeply into his subject and express personal opinions. This is a true university level course, not 'history light'.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The conclusion of the lectures develops a view of what Renaissance society was aspiring to which is incredibly stirring. I felt great affinity with the vision and motivation of the renaissance and came to realise why it is truly a golden age of human history.

A journey to the depths of Renaissance

How fascinating was to listen and enjoy details, anecdotes, and nuances of each of the great places where Renaissance “lived”. It was great to know the relationship between the leaders that made Renaissance great and the leaders who turned it into mediocrity.