Selected works of these three Renaissance writers are examined within the context of early modern ethnographic discourse. In a series of discussions, this text explores the ways in which Renaissance ideas of savagery and civility evolved during the 16th and early 17th centuries as a consequence, in part, of the complex interaction between ethnographic reportage and literary representation. Hamlin begins his discussion by arguing that all forms of ethnography or historiography are inevitably assimilative constructs. He then ...
Read More
Selected works of these three Renaissance writers are examined within the context of early modern ethnographic discourse. In a series of discussions, this text explores the ways in which Renaissance ideas of savagery and civility evolved during the 16th and early 17th centuries as a consequence, in part, of the complex interaction between ethnographic reportage and literary representation. Hamlin begins his discussion by arguing that all forms of ethnography or historiography are inevitably assimilative constructs. He then examines ethnographic writings of such early authors as Columbus, Martyr, Las Casas, Lery, Duran and Sahagun to show how 16th-century thought moves gradually toward the recognition of difference in equality - a recognition championed above all by Montaigne. Like Montaigne, Spenser's thought balances natural sufficiency with sociocultural sophistication, and thus reveals an awareness of the interpenetration of the concepts of savagery and civility. This interpenetration is further explored by Shakespeare, particularly in "The Tempest" and "King Lear". The interconnectedness of the concepts of nature and culture in the writings of Montaigne, Spenser and Shakespeare suggests the extent to which New World awareness in Renaissance Europe effected a partial erasure and reconstitution of Old World patterns of thought.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. No dust jacket. Ex-library. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 234 p. Audience: General/trade. LCCN 94045082 Type of material Book Personal name Hamlin, William M., 1957-Main title The image of America in Montaigne, Spenser and Shakespeare: Renaissance ethnography and literary reflection / William M. Hamlin. Edition 1st ed. Published/Created New York: St. Martin's, 1995. Description xx, 234 p.; 22 cm. ISBN 0312125062 LC classification PR129. A4 H36 1995 LC Subjects Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592--Knowledge--America. Spenser, Edmund, 1552? -1599--Knowledge--America. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Knowledge--America. English literature--Early modern, 1500-1700--History and criticism. English literature--American influences. French literature--American influences. Ethnology--History--16th century. Ethnology in literature. Indians in literature. Renaissance--England. Renaissance--France. America--In literature. Notes Includes bibliographical references (p. [189]-220) and index. Dewey class no. 820.9/3273 Geographic area code e------n------s------
