Discusses how and why the Renaissance began in Italy, the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Italian Renaissance, and the lasting effects of these achievements on Western civilization. Includes bibliographical references and index.

History

Chapter One BIRTHPLACE OF THE RENAISSANCE

 Renaissance Roots

 Troubles and Triumphs

 Florence: Crossroads of Italy

 Rome, Venice, and Beyond

 Map: Renaissance Italy

Cultural History

Chapter Two A NEW AGE

 Art and Architecture

 A New Language for a New Age

 Advances in Science

Belief System

Chapter Three THE POWER OF THE CHURCH

 Faith in Everyday Life

 Education and Art

 Corruption and Reform

Beliefs and Society

Chapter Four ThE IMPACT OF HUMANISM

 The New Learning

 "A Free World of Free Spirits"

 Reshaping the World

The Legacy of the Italian Renaissance

Chapter Five OUR RENAISSANCE WORLD

 Across the Alps

 Across the Ages

 THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE: A TIME LINE

 GLOSSARY

 FOR FURTHER READING

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 INDEX