Inventing the Renaissance with Ada Palmer - Medievalists.net
Briefly

The article discusses the Renaissance, a term meaning 'rebirth', and its implications regarding the period before it. Danièle Cybulskie interviews Ada Palmer, an expert in Early Modern European History, focusing on key figures like Petrarch and Machiavelli. Palmer's upcoming book, 'Inventing the Renaissance', critically assesses the myth of a golden age, urging a deeper analysis of the era's complexities, including the role of atheism and broader societal changes. This conversation encourages a reevaluation of how we perceive the Renaissance in historical context.
The Renaissance, often considered a rebirth, invites us to question its supposed status as a golden age, revealing complexities related to its actual historical context.
Ada Palmer emphasizes the contributions of thinkers like Petrarch and Machiavelli, highlighting how their works shaped our understanding of the Renaissance and its narratives.
Exploring the concept of atheism during the Renaissance period, Palmer notes how these facets reflect broader societal changes and challenges to established norms.
Palmer's upcoming book, 'Inventing the Renaissance', critically examines the myth surrounding this period, positing that our romanticized perceptions may overlook significant historical realities.
Read at Medievalists.net
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