The Two Latin Cultures and the Foundation of Renaissance Humanism in Medieval Italy by Ronald G. Witt
Charles M. Radding
Reviewed by: The Two Latin Cultures and the Foundation of Renaissance Humanism in Medieval Italy by Ronald G. Witt Charles M. Radding Italy. By Witt. (New York: Cambridge University Press. 2012. Pp. xii, 604. $120.00. ISBN 978-0-521-76474-2.) As explains at beginning this book, he began his research into Italian culture 1977 with idea studying language, literature, education kingdom from Carolingian period until fifteenth century. It was only later that decided to divide initial project two parts publish first book dealt specifically (much better studied) 150 years humanist movement; turned out be monumental “In Footsteps Ancients”: Origins Lovato Bruni (Boston, 2000). Indeed, historiography earlier has been a mess, studies varying quality on single localities, authors, or texts but nothing provide general overview. But never lost sight original plan, now we have fill gap originally stymied him. This will an essential work for historians medieval not just Italy, addition sifting wheat abundant chaff research, Witt’s deep familiarity sources permits him arrive comprehensive picture eighth thirteen centuries. introduces concept dual cultures part I, covering between Carolingians late-eleventh Although these cultures, focused books centered ecclesiastical schools, is familiar all scholars Europe, unique possessing second strata largely hands laymen, especially legal professionals—notaries judges—of northern Not does culture, law expressed production use documents, [End Page 781] no parallel elsewhere shows II III it grew importance eleventh twelfth centuries as expanded include ars dictaminis, study Roman law, eventually canon law. growing had effect greatly restricting role cul-ture other kinds literary activities. Little poetry written twelfth-century what there usually took its subject local, civic concerns. same true history, even hagiography—often inspired more ambitious prose—rarely achieved anything interest. In IV V turns attention thirteenth century, explicit comparison France, where century elements dictaminis merged broader rhetoric composition, including manuals composing sermons. influences fed back they were taken up both papal initiatives favor preaching practice class notaries. still overwhelmingly notaries educated Bologna increasingly sophisticated mastery Latin, put those skills authors histories, defenders active life towns, pioneers returning classical norms eloquence. With last development, seen de’ Lovati, notary Padua, disciple successor Albertino Mussato, starting point Ancients.” therefore, demonstrates how humanism Michigan State Copyright © 2013 Catholic America Press
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