This is one of the most important books in the study of Italian Renaissance (14th-16th century). For those who would like a readable but scholarly introduction to the Renaissance, this is it. The book is intended to explain the intellectual origin, spiritual inspiration and mental struggles of the great Renaissance scholars and artists. My professor once said to my class " this book is worth its weight in gold!" Though that might be a slight exageration, the book is certainly a worthwhile read. This book is one of the rare academic but mind racing, heart pounding books that one cannot put down until finish. Don't let the scholarliness intimidate you, push yourself to read it and you will see what I mean.

"Renaissance Thought and the Arts" presents a brilliant introduction into Renaissance culture. The collection of separately published articles, first edited in 1965 and now added by a precious afterword, makes up a well-rounded unit. The late Kristeller, one of the most respected writers on humanism, explains in the first section (ch. 1-3) the concept of Renaissance and provides a fundamental insight into its thought and literature. In the first chapter he argues convincingly against tendences to define Renaissance by a certain set of ideas and exposes the problems that are central to humanistic thought, simultaneously giving an overview over the different literary genres inherited from ancient literature. In the second chapter on the moral philosophy of those times, he emphasizes its impact on the modern concept of human dignity. Thereupon, he demonstrates how humanism, originated and developed in Italy, hence spread out into entire Europe, whereas some scholars had claimed that humanistic ideas emerged in different European countries simultaneous and independently. Some other important aspects of Renaissance philosophy are discussed in the second section (ch. 4-6) on Platonism and Aristotelism, the most impressive essay being that on the place of man in the universe. At the heart of the final section on the arts (ch. 7-10) is the comprehensive study which describes in detail the development of our concept of the arts, and its predecessors in ancient times and the middle Ages. Thus Kristeller profoundly explores the history of the principal problem of aesthetics, that is the essence of art, which he touches also in the afterword on creativity and tradition, prudently distinguishing the significance of each for aesthetic value and appreciation.

Throughout, Kristeller displays an overwhelming richness of insight, stylistic masterhip and exemplaric knowledge that make this book a joy to read. It is useful as a leader during the first steps to understanding Renaissance culture as well as a treasure for any scholar who is concerned with the topics involved.