The Renaissance Rediscovery of Intimacy

This book explores how Petrarch's discovery of Cicero's letters reshaped Renaissance literature, emphasizing intimacy in writing and reading practices.

In 1345, Petrarch unearthed a lost collection of letters from Cicero to his dear friend Atticus, revealing a more personal side of Cicero. This intimate portrayal contrasts sharply with the well-known orator of the Roman forum and the measured philosopher of antiquity. Kathy Eden argues that this encounter with Cicero's letters transformed the expectations of reading and writing in Europe from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries. The Renaissance Rediscovery of Intimacy delves into the intricate relationship between ancient epistolary practices and their Renaissance interpretations.

Eden primarily draws on the works of Aristotle, Cicero, and Seneca, while also referencing Plato, Demetrius, and Quintilian. She illustrates how the classical genre of the 'familiar' letter influenced the intimate styles of later writers such as Petrarch, Erasmus, and Montaigne. Throughout her analysis, Eden highlights the multifaceted concept of intimacy during the Renaissance, exploring its legal, emotional, and stylistic roots in ancient literature. This exploration underscores how these dimensions shaped the literary landscape of the period.

The implications of Eden's study extend beyond historical analysis, resonating with contemporary understandings of intimacy in literature. The Renaissance Rediscovery of Intimacy is essential reading for students and scholars across various fields, including classical studies, Renaissance literature, and the history of rhetoric and writing. It offers valuable insights into how literary practices have evolved and continue to influence modern literature.