Classical and Christian ideas in English Renaissance poetry

By Isabel Rivers

Book Description

This comprehensive sourcebook opens the door to understanding how the profound wisdom of classical antiquity and Christian tradition shaped the golden age of English poetry. Isabel Rivers guides readers through the rich tapestry of ideas that Renaissance poets drew upon, revealing how ancient philosophical insights and spiritual teachings found new expression in some of literature's most enduring works.

The book serves as both an educational resource and a bridge between worlds, connecting readers to the timeless concepts that influenced poetic masters of the Renaissance era. Rivers carefully traces the origins and transmission of these foundational ideas, showing how they traveled from their ancient sources into the hands of English poets who transformed them into lasting art.

What makes this work particularly valuable is its practical approach to learning. Rather than simply discussing these influences in abstract terms, the author provides direct access to key passages from both the original classical and Christian texts alongside the English poems they inspired. This side-by-side presentation allows readers to witness firsthand how spiritual and philosophical wisdom moves across centuries and cultures.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of how spiritual traditions inform creative expression, this sourcebook offers an illuminating journey through the intellectual and religious currents that continue to influence literature today. The updated bibliographies ensure access to the most current scholarship in philosophy, religion, and Renaissance studies.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)

📄 Length: 233 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Poésie chrétienne anglaise
✓ Explore Christianisme et littérature
✓ Explore English poetry--history and criticism
✓ Explore Klassieke oudheid
✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
✓ Explore Sources
✓ Explore English poetry, history and criticism, early modern, 1500-1700
✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM

Topics Covered

Poésie chrétienne anglaise Christianisme et littérature English poetry--history and criticism Klassieke oudheid Ancient Philosophy Sources English poetry, history and criticism, early modern, 1500-1700 LITERARY CRITICISM Christian poetry, english--history and criticism Religiöse Lyrik History and criticism Christianity and literature Philosophie ancienne -- In literature Bible dans la littérature Early modern Antike Influence ancienne Classical influences Christliche Lyrik Shakespeare Classical literature English poetry y and criticism y and literature Renaissance Lyrik English poetry--early modern, 1500-1700--history and criticism Pr535.r4 r58 1994 Christendom Literature Classicisme In literature Bible Renaissance, england Poèsie anglaise English Christian poetry Renaissance--england Christianisme dans la littérature anglaise English poetry--classical influences Gedichten -- Sources Classicism Literature and history Poésie anglaise Engels Classicism--england Littérature ancienne Histoire et critique Christian poetry 821/.3093