Myths of Renaissance Individualism

by Martin, John Jeffries

• ISBN13: 9780333643082
• ISBN10: 0333643089
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-09-04
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

The idea that the Renaissance witnessed the emergence of the modern individual remains a powerful myth. In this important new book Martin examines the Renaissance self with attention to both social history and literary theory and offers a new typology of Renaissance selfhood which was at once collective, performative and porous. At the same time, he stresses the layered qualities of the Renaissance self and the salient role of interiority and notions of inwardness in the shaping of identity. Myths of Renaissance Individualism, in short, will interest students not only of history but also of art history, literature, music, philosophy, psychology and religion.

Author Biography

John Jeffries Martin is Professor of History at Trinity University.

Table of Contents

Prologue	ix
1. '"Individualism" - a Word Unknown to our Ancestors'	1	(20)
2. The Inquisitors' Questions	21	(20)
3. Spiritual Journeys	41	(21)
4. A Journeymen's Feast of Fools	62	(21)
5. Possessions	83	(20)
6. The Proffered Heart	103	(20)
7. Myths of Identity - an Essay	123	(12)
Notes	135	(26)
Bibliography	161	(16)
Acknowledgements	177	(4)
Index	181