The Renaissance James Corrick Chapter Summaries

In The Renaissance James A. Corrick introduces the reader about the period of time when a cultural movement was introduced first in Italy and marked the rebirth of old Greek and Roman culture and society. This led to the advancement in science, art, technology, education, economics, and politics. The Renaissance began in Italy in the 1300s, throughout much of Europe during the next three hundred years. The author’s purpose is to inform and entertain the reader about the amazing accomplishments that many people achieved during this period of time. He is not refuting or showing the reader a specific viewpoint, but he produces a straightforward factual explanation about the past.

The author does make a clear statement of purpose, which is

For example, he tells the reader about the Ming Dynasty comes to power (1368), Christopher Columbus reached the Americas (1492), Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztecs (1521), and the telescope was invented in 1608. He categorizes the chapters in this order: Leaving the Middle Ages, a New Learning, Religious Reform, the Growth of Nations, A World of Business, Artists and Musicians, the Literary World, and Scientists and Physicians. His research impresses me because he uses several examples to thoroughly examine the Renaissance and what makes this period of time so unique. He uses primary sources such as books, records and historical documents to support his evidence. For example, he uses Leonardo da Vinci quotes and his observations to show us how men like Leonardo influence many people during the Renaissance and today’s society. He also uses the Ten Books on Architecture written by Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) to show Brunelleschi’s architecture and mathematical perspective to us. He uses footnotes to justify his statements he makes and does not provide a bibliography, but in the end of the book he does accredit all the pictures he has in his book. I do believe this book is very valuable to historians seeking to understand the past because this book shows how important and influential was this era of innovation and “new way of thinking”. The author does not show any prejudicial in any way and the author successfully fulfills his