"Historical Dictionary of the Renaissance covers the history of the European Renaissance from approximately 1350 to the early 1600s, emphasizing humanistic learning, vernacular literature, innovative artistic styles, and music. Such disciplines gave rise to the concept of a renaissance, a time of novel concepts and progressive discoveries and inventions."

"This dictionary includes an interpretive introduction to the period; a chronology of major events; and entries covering major Italian cities where the Renaissance first developed, artists and architects, writers and philosophers, and teachers and scientists who contributed to the exceptional achievements of this time; as well as topics such as printing, the fourteenth-century economic depression, the Inquisition, witchcraft, and religion. While traditional Renaissance history has almost completely ignored the role of women, this reference profiles the women who were authors, patrons of the new culture, and successful painters. An extensive bibliography provides easy access to further research."

"Readers of all interest levels will find this an informative and engaging reference about one of the most extraordinary eras in the history of Europe."--Jacket.