The Italian Renaissance

Examines the history, achievements, and legacy of the Renaissance in Italy

Gr 8 Up--In his introduction, Walker states his belief in the importance of the Renaissance as ``an age of genius'' that saw a great ``outpouring of individual creativity.'' His book is an encyclopedia catalog of these creative, or at least politically notable, individuals. Their actions, dates, titles, and achievements are crowded into pages that read like the ponderous, factual coverage of traditional textbooks. Chapters on the wealthy leaders and political history of the major Italian city states are followed by chapters on the most famous humanists, artists, and early scientists. In one brief chapter and occasional boxed inserts, a nod in the direction of the new scholarship in family, class, and gender is included. The few illustrations are in black and white. The recommended books for further reading are adult titles ``clear...enough for young readers,'' but largely dating from the 1960s. There is too much detail for even the most sophisticated young adult to absorb at a single reading, and not enough information on any single topic or person to make the book useful for reports. The occasional anecdotes and quotations fail to enliven or divert the endless steamroller of facts. At a time when scholars of history are returning to narrative and the art of historical storytelling, Walker, in a work of prodigious labor and attention to detail, presents information without shaping, interpreting, or humanizing the age he admires.

Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.