A Cultural History of the Modern Age: Volume 1, Renaissance and Reformation

Cultural History #1

by Egon Friedell

Historian, philosopher, critic, playwright, journalist, and actor, Egon Friedell was a key figure in the extraordinary flowering of Viennese culture between the two world wars. His masterpiece, A Cultural History of the Modern Age , demonstrates the intellectual universality that Friedell saw as guarantor of the continuity and regeneration of European civilization. Following a brilliant opening essay on cultural history and why it should be studied, the first volume begins with an analysis of the transformation of the Medieval mind as it evolved from the Black Death to the Thirty Years War. The emphasis is on the spiritual and cultural vortex of civilization, but Friedell never forgets the European roots in pestilence, death, and superstition that animate a contrary drive toward reason, refinement, intellectual curiosity, and scientific knowledge. While these values reached their apogee during the Renaissance, Friedell shows that each cultural victory is precarious, and Europe was always in danger of slipping back into barbarism. Friedell's historical vision embraces the whole of Western culture and its development. It is a consistent probing for the divine in the world's course and is, therefore, theology; it is research into the basic forces of the human soul and is, therefore, psychology; it is the most illuminating presentation of the forms of state and society and, therefore, is politics; the most varied collection of all art-creations and is, therefore, aesthetics. Thomas Mann regarded Friedell as one of the great stylists in the German language. Like the works of the great novelist, A Cultural History of the Modern Age offers a dramatic history of the last six centuries, showing the driving forces of each age. The new introduction provides a fascinating biographical sketch of Friedell and his cultural milieu and analyzes his place in intellectual history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, German Literature, Art, Social Science, Anthropology, Cultural

388 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

Egon Friedell (1878 - 1938) was a prominent Austrian philosopher, historian, journalist, actor, cabaret performer, and theatre critic. Described as a polymath, he took his own life shortly after the Nazis annexed Austria, jumping out of his apartment's window when the SA came to arrest him.

Reviews

[Lysergius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly stunning review of the period between 1348 - 1418, the so called Renaissance and Reformation. This is no simple retelling of facts and dates, Friedell takes the time to introduce his reader to major cultural currents of the period, the personalities, the accomplishments and the failures of policy and polity. Packed full with insight and revelation Volume is a wonderful introduction to the cultural history of the modern age.

What is surprising is that such a well written and researched work should be relatively unknown today. There are insights here which are universal and should be widely promulgated. Friedell is especially cogent on the causes and events leading up to the Thirty Years War, his comments on Shakespeare and Bacon wholly convincing.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der erste Band von Egon Friedells Kulturgeschichte spannt von der Zeit der Schwarzen Pest bis mitten in die Aufklärung. Aufgrund der schieren Größe von Friedells Projekt bleiben viele angerissene Themen, Personen und Ereignisse notwendigerweise holzschnittartig, was durch die wunderschöne Prosa aber ausgeglichen wird.
An manchen Stellen merkt man dem Werk jedoch bereits sein Alter an, es bleibt in seinem Charakter eine Geschichte der großen Namen und historischen Stichworte und arbeitet mit Essentialismen, um ganze Nationen und Völker zu charakterisieren.
Man sollte das Buch daher nicht zur Quelle der Akkuratheit deklarieren, dennoch hat es mich sehr gefreut eine umfangreiche Reise durch die Neuzeit unternommen zu haben und auch der Lektüre des zweiten Bandes blicke ich mit Freude entgegen!

[Miika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aikamoinen juttu.

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Egon Friedell's "Cultural History of the Modern Age: Volume 1, Renaissance and Reformation" offers a sweeping and ambitious exploration of the transformative periods of the Renaissance and Reformation, encompassing an array of historical, cultural, and intellectual developments. This meticulously crafted work, originally published in 1927, continues to be a cornerstone in the study of these two pivotal epochs.

Friedell's magnum opus is marked by its erudition, eloquence, and interdisciplinary approach. The author skillfully interweaves art, literature, philosophy, theology, and social history to paint a comprehensive portrait of the Renaissance and Reformation eras. His book is a testament to the power of synthesizing diverse disciplines into a coherent narrative, offering readers a multifaceted view of the cultural dynamics that shaped the modern world.

One of Friedell's key strengths is his ability to illuminate the interconnectedness of historical events and intellectual currents. He provides a rich contextual backdrop for understanding the profound cultural shifts that transpired during the Renaissance and Reformation. His attention to detail and extensive use of primary sources underscore the depth of his research and scholarship, appealing to both academic and lay readers.

The thematic structure of the book facilitates a profound comprehension of the key ideas and personalities of the period. Friedell's analysis of the evolving intellectual and spiritual landscape during the Renaissance, and the seismic consequences of the Reformation, is particularly noteworthy. He elucidates how figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Erasmus, and Luther played instrumental roles in these transformative processes, revealing their lasting impact on modern culture and thought.

While "Cultural History of the Modern Age" is a monumental work, it is not without its limitations. Some critics have noted that Friedell's Eurocentric perspective may overlook the contributions of non-Western cultures during this period. Additionally, the book's prose can be dense and verbose at times, which may deter some readers seeking a more accessible narrative.

Egon Friedell's "Cultural History of the Modern Age: Volume 1, Renaissance and Reformation" stands as a seminal work in the realm of cultural history. His comprehensive analysis of the Renaissance and Reformation offers a profound understanding of the origins of modern Western culture and thought. While it may demand a degree of dedication from its readers, the intellectual rewards reaped from this scholarly masterpiece are substantial. It remains an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of cultural history, offering a compelling testament to the enduring significance of the Renaissance and Reformation in shaping the world we inhabit today.

GPT

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

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