Title: Rereading the Renaissance
First published: 1998
Description: Rereading the Renaissance - a study of Petrarch's uses of Augustine - uses methods drawn from history and literary criticism to establish a framework for exploring Petrarch's humanism. Carol Everhart Quillen argues that the essential role of Augustine's words and authority in the expression of Petrarch's humanism is best grasped through a study of the complex textual practices exemplified in the writings of both men.

She also maintains that Petrarch's appropriation of Augustine's words is only intelligible in light of his struggle to legitimate his cultural ideals in the face of compelling opposition. Finally, Quillen shows how Petrarch's uses of Augustine can simultaneously uphold his humanist ideals and challenge the legitimacy of the assumptions on which those ideals were founded.
Subjects: Influence, Criticism and interpretation, Humanism, Augustine, saint, bishop of hippo, 354-430, Petrarca, francesco, 1304-1374
Places: Italy
People: Augustine Saint, Bishop of Hippo, Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374)
LC classification: PQ4543 .Q55 1998