Myths of Renaissance Individualism

The idea that the Renaissance witnessed the emergence of the modern individual remains a powerful myth. In this important new book Martin examines the Renaissance self with attention to both social history and literary theory and offers a new typology of Renaissance selfhood which was at once collective, performative and porous. At the same time, he stresses the layered qualities of the Renaissance self and the salient role of interiority and notions of inwardness in the shaping of identity.

John Jeffries Martin is Professor of History at Trinity University.

Preface 'Individualism' - A Word Unknown to our Ancestors' The Inquisitor's Questions Spiritual Journeys A Journeyman's Feast of Fools Possessions The Proffered Heart Myths of Identity - An Essay Notes Bibliography Acknowledgements Index Preface * Acknowledgements * "Individualism" - A Word Unknown to our Ancestors * The Inquisitor's Questions * Spiritual Journeys * A Journeyman's Feast of Fools Possessions * The Proffered Heart * Myths of Identity - An Essay * Notes * Bibliography * Index