The hottest Renaissance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

On Bonfire Night

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing Renaissance Literacy
  1. Reading and literacy are changing, and many people seem less interested in understanding where their information comes from. This could mean we're heading back to a time when knowledge is just for a few elite people instead of everyone.
  2. Our relationship with reading might be vital right now, especially in a world filled with distractions. We should focus on the best literature and ideas to maintain the depth of our reading experience.
  3. It's important to share the value of reading with others. Like early believers sharing their faith, we must show people how reading has transformed our lives and encourage them to experience that too.

Strange Lives

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
📚 Literature History Biography Marriage Philosophy Renaissance
  1. Marriage in the past often involved complicated discussions about money and family, just like today. The way partners handle these issues can lead to tensions.
  2. People in earlier times were concerned about remarriage and family dynamics, especially due to high mortality rates. They thought about how relationships would impact their children in the future.
  3. Age played a significant role in marriage decisions. For example, marrying young was less common by the Elizabethan period, showing changing views on when to start a family.

The Poisoned Lemon

Life and Letters • 39 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
📚 Literature Drama Poetry History Crime Renaissance
  1. Jacobean playwrights focused heavily on violence in their works. They included gruesome details in their plots and often depicted murders, reflecting a fascination with horror rather than just sadness.
  2. Barnabe Barnes, a playwright, attempted poisoning in real life, which adds a dark twist to his violent plays. His own history of violence helped shape the themes in his writing.
  3. Many writers from the Renaissance period were involved in violent acts, whether as victims or perpetrators. This era was marked by brawls and rivalries, contributing to a more dangerous literary world compared to today.

The Notebook of Leonardo da Vinci, The Codex Arundel

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Renaissance Science Technology History
  1. The Codex Arundel is a collection of Leonardo da Vinci's writings and drawings, showing his wide-ranging interests in math, engineering, and nature. It's written in a special left-handed mirror script, which makes it unique.
  2. Leonardo's work in the codex emphasizes observation and experimentation. He wrote about scientific principles through careful study of the natural world and practical experiments.
  3. The codex is important for understanding both art and science, showing how Leonardo blended these fields. It inspires modern thinkers by highlighting the value of connecting different areas of knowledge.

Welcome to Life and Letters

Life and Letters • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
📚 Literature Renaissance Literary Analysis Cultural Studies
  1. The writer is interested in exploring various literary questions, like how age and gender impact the works of historical writers.
  2. There will be a focus on Renaissance literature, especially famous writers like Donne and Shakespeare, but topics will also expand beyond that.
  3. Interesting and unusual stories about the lives of Renaissance writers will be shared, highlighting unique events and decisions they made.
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The Tudors at The Met

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art History Literature Exhibitions Renaissance
  1. The Tudors used art and fashion to show their power. Objects like Henry VIII's armor showcased their authority and the wealth of the crown.
  2. Importing talented artists from Europe helped England grow culturally. The artists brought new skills that enriched English art during the Tudor period.
  3. Some artists experimented with their styles and symbols in their portraits. This creativity reflected the vibrant and imaginative culture of Shakespeare's time.