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Humanism and Religion in Early Modern Spain

John of the Cross, Francisco de Aldana, Luis de León

Terence O’Reilly author Stephen Boyd editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:30th Sep '21

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Humanism and Religion in Early Modern Spain cover

Humanism and Religion in Early Modern Spain brings together twenty-five essays by renowned historian Terence O’Reilly.

The essays examine the interplay of religion and humanism in a series of writings composed in sixteenth-century Spain. It begins by presenting essential background: the coming together during the reign of the Emperor Charles V of Erasmian humanism and various movements of religious reform, some of them heterodox. It then moves on to the reign of Philip II, focusing on the mystical poetry and prose of St John of the Cross. It explores the influence on his writings of his humanist learning – classical, biblical and patristic. The third part of the book concerns a verse-epistle by John’s contemporary, Francisco de Aldana. One chapter presents the text with a parallel version in English, whilst two others trace its debt to Florentine Neoplatonism, particularly the thought of Marsilio Ficino. The final part is devoted to the humanism of the poet and Scripture scholar Luis de León, and specifically to the confluence in his work of biblical and classical motifs.

This book is essential reading for scholars and students of early modern Spanish history, as well those interested in literary studies and the history of religion. (CS 1102).

‘It is not uncommon for a book to be promoted as "essential reading". That is what the publisher Routledge does in its description of Humanism and Religion. Having studied the book, I consider the encomium to be, in the present case, valid. Terence O’Reilly, Emeritus Professor of Spanish at University College Cork and member of the Royal Irish Academy, provides scholars and students of sixteenth century Spanish spirituality and literature, with insights and understandings which are necessary for a more complete correct appreciation of the authors treated’ - Iain Matthew OCD, Teresianum (2023/1).

ISBN: 9781032008905

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 453g

402 pages