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The Norton History of Modern Europe #1
The Foundations of Early Modern Europe: 1460-1559
In this compact study of the Renaissance and Reformation, Eugene F. Rice, Jr. draws together the main lines of change that account for a period of rapid transition from medieval civilization to early modern. From a chapter on science, technology, and the voyages of exploration, Professor Rice goes on to examine economic expansion within Europe, Renaissance society and the new humanist culture, the rise of the sovereign state, and, ultimately, the clash between the established Church and the Protestant reformers.
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 15, 2023
Read this years ago for Western Civ I. I seem to recall it being fairly well written as dry textbooks go.
There's a lot more pages devoted to the Reformation than I personally wanted. Do people even learn about Zwingli anymore?
Rice says of feudalism that it rested on a confusion of public power with private property.
The sovereign prince is an absolute ruler limited only by divine and natural law.
...he monopolizes all power and justice in the state.
There's a lot more pages devoted to the Reformation than I personally wanted. Do people even learn about Zwingli anymore?
Rice says of feudalism that it rested on a confusion of public power with private property.
The sovereign prince is an absolute ruler limited only by divine and natural law.
...he monopolizes all power and justice in the state.
April 27, 2015
Such a pleasing series from Norton, with excellent black and white illustrations and maps, printed pristinely, on superb thick creamy white paper.
Rice briefly explains the most important distinctions between the feudal era and the early modern era. The feudal era had no state; societal interactions were based on private relationships. Armies were private, taxation was private. These feudal bonds didn't disappear all at once, of course; many lasted into the early modern era. Religion, the Protestant Reformation, gets more space (two chapters) than other topics.
June 24, 2017
This book was an interesting read, even though it did not drop any real new information on me, merely reconfirmed things I already knew. For what it's supposed to be and the time in which it was written, it probably deserves 4 stars, but there were a few flaws such as moments of odd confusion with arguments - saying a minor thesis at the beginning of a chapter and then proceeding to arrange the entire rest of the chapter and the arguments within totally contrary to that statement. Additionally, there was at least one moment where, although I agreed with the sentiment, there was a break in professionalism and moral judgement was passed on a historical figure. Like, I get you dude, I agree 100%, but like. Ya can't be that petty. Sorry.
Overall however, the writing was clear and the information and arguments were easy to follow. There were no pretensions of thought, and the overall volume was well organized. Would recommend to anyone looking for a primer on the very early modern intellectual and religious thought of western Europe.
(Full disclosure I was recommended this book as preparatory reading for a graduate history class, and I can definitely see why at this point.)
Overall however, the writing was clear and the information and arguments were easy to follow. There were no pretensions of thought, and the overall volume was well organized. Would recommend to anyone looking for a primer on the very early modern intellectual and religious thought of western Europe.
(Full disclosure I was recommended this book as preparatory reading for a graduate history class, and I can definitely see why at this point.)
May 4, 2020
This series was designed to compliment undergraduate students. It is a dry, academic, survey of topics pertaining to the 100 years between 1450 and 1550. Rice does an excellent job in showing rare enthusiasm for an academician for the radical transformation of western society at this time. There is an unusual emphasis on philosophical elements at the cost of political considerations; but that probably goes back to the theme of supplementing the classroom.
I may have missed it; but the title is a bit of a misnomer. I do not remember any fixed event from the book for either 1460 or 1559. Instead, the book starts off with the invention of moveable type in 1450 and concludes with the English Reformation in 1534. The last date that comes to mind is the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, which settled Charles V's religious wars. A simple century does make for better titles and talking points.
Like so many other commentators of the Renaissance, Rice goes into blanket enthusiasm for the Renaissance spending considerable time discussing artists and select pieces of art. There is no immediate discussion on how the art impacts society as a whole. The chapter says the basic mantra that education is good, and (finally) people respect learned individuals. It is a slow chapter. The next chapter then discuss the rise of professionalism in society. This was only possible through increased education and a break from the church's control over education. It is an interesting argument that shows secular cracks in the armor of Mother Church.
The cracks spread until the Protestant Reformation. Other reviewers have commented on Rice's choice to spend several lengthy chapters discussing theological differences between Calvin, Luther, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists. Some readers may detect a hint of cynicism in Rice's writings. Really, an entire sub-chapter on whether the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ (Luther) or a metaphor that celebrates the suffering of Christ (Zwingli) is almost humorous. However, it sets up the following chapter much like the painful chapter on Renaissance Art set up the chapter on professionalism.
The chapter following the theological foundations of the Protestants is the best chapter in the book. It outlines the transformations sweeping across Europe. Rice argues that people's decisions to convert to Protestantism had little to do with the Eucharist, and more to do with antagonism towards the sociopolitical environment. He brilliantly showcases a number of people who sought wealth by secularizing church property, or securing additional powers over Catholic institutions by maintaining their Catholic religions. At different levels of society, Rice outlines the different factors that contributed to people's decision to accept one religion over another. In no case did he cite someone who pondered the Eucharist and stood firm. Only in the case of one German prince did Rice show a ruler who remained supportive of his faith at the loss of economic and political status. This allowed Rice to conclude that religion may have some importance in the decision.
Ultimately, it is a survey. A survey that goes into more depth than most introductory Western Civ courses cover between the "magic" of the Renaissance and the rise of colonial empires. Rice also focused his book to cover more intellectual aspects of those 100 years, not just the political. In fact, he writing assumes readers have a basic knowledge of the politics of those years. Even when discussing the wars of Charles V, he does not mention the Schmalkaldic League. His emphasis is clearly on more cerebral concepts than individual battles and campaigns. I recommend this book for readers who have that basic knowledge of 1450 - 1550. More casual readers will possibly be confused by the people and events and learn less if they can make it through the chapters on art criticism and theology.
I may have missed it; but the title is a bit of a misnomer. I do not remember any fixed event from the book for either 1460 or 1559. Instead, the book starts off with the invention of moveable type in 1450 and concludes with the English Reformation in 1534. The last date that comes to mind is the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, which settled Charles V's religious wars. A simple century does make for better titles and talking points.
Like so many other commentators of the Renaissance, Rice goes into blanket enthusiasm for the Renaissance spending considerable time discussing artists and select pieces of art. There is no immediate discussion on how the art impacts society as a whole. The chapter says the basic mantra that education is good, and (finally) people respect learned individuals. It is a slow chapter. The next chapter then discuss the rise of professionalism in society. This was only possible through increased education and a break from the church's control over education. It is an interesting argument that shows secular cracks in the armor of Mother Church.
The cracks spread until the Protestant Reformation. Other reviewers have commented on Rice's choice to spend several lengthy chapters discussing theological differences between Calvin, Luther, Zwingli, and the Anabaptists. Some readers may detect a hint of cynicism in Rice's writings. Really, an entire sub-chapter on whether the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ (Luther) or a metaphor that celebrates the suffering of Christ (Zwingli) is almost humorous. However, it sets up the following chapter much like the painful chapter on Renaissance Art set up the chapter on professionalism.
The chapter following the theological foundations of the Protestants is the best chapter in the book. It outlines the transformations sweeping across Europe. Rice argues that people's decisions to convert to Protestantism had little to do with the Eucharist, and more to do with antagonism towards the sociopolitical environment. He brilliantly showcases a number of people who sought wealth by secularizing church property, or securing additional powers over Catholic institutions by maintaining their Catholic religions. At different levels of society, Rice outlines the different factors that contributed to people's decision to accept one religion over another. In no case did he cite someone who pondered the Eucharist and stood firm. Only in the case of one German prince did Rice show a ruler who remained supportive of his faith at the loss of economic and political status. This allowed Rice to conclude that religion may have some importance in the decision.
Ultimately, it is a survey. A survey that goes into more depth than most introductory Western Civ courses cover between the "magic" of the Renaissance and the rise of colonial empires. Rice also focused his book to cover more intellectual aspects of those 100 years, not just the political. In fact, he writing assumes readers have a basic knowledge of the politics of those years. Even when discussing the wars of Charles V, he does not mention the Schmalkaldic League. His emphasis is clearly on more cerebral concepts than individual battles and campaigns. I recommend this book for readers who have that basic knowledge of 1450 - 1550. More casual readers will possibly be confused by the people and events and learn less if they can make it through the chapters on art criticism and theology.
August 4, 2011
Great look at Renaissance history, focusing on all of the accomplishments of the period and how it progressed. Especially interesting was the introduction of humanism and how it related directly to the change in all thought from the political to the artistic in this time period...and how humanist values still are prominent in today's society. Great read...definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the history and philosophy of Europe.
September 7, 2024
This is the first text of a seven-volume "Norton History of Modern Europe." [I previously read 'The Age of Religious Wars, 1559-1689] At around 200 pages per volume, they pack a lot of information in each book of the series. The series features both precision and breadth.
Rice and Grafton's book is organized by subject areas: Science and Technology, Economic Expansion, Renaissance Society and Humanist Culture, The Early Modern State, and Revolution and Reformation in the Church: problems of (a) Authority and (b) Conversion.
A good one-third of the book dwells on the dramatic changes in European Christianity from Luther to Henry VIII, and how church and state were intertwined throughout the century covered.
The list of famous historic individuals mentioned is breathtaking: DaVinci, Galileo, Guttenberg, Copernicus, Isaac Newton, Raphael, Titian, Boccaccio, Dante, Bertolt Brecht, Francis I, Charles V, Machiavelli, Cortes, Columbus, Martin Luther, Thomas More, Calvin, Zwingli, Erasmus, Ignatius of Loyola, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Cromwell, Catherine of Aragon, The Habsburgs, Phillip II, the House of Medici, William Prince of Orange and others. Also referenced are works from previous eras by Aristotle, Augustine, Cicero, Pliny, Plato, Seneca, Tacitus. Finally, the books are replete with historic plates.
In addition to the name-dropping, what is impressive is the way Rice and Grafton are able to weave history within history, and across so many disciplines: science, the humanities, government, economics, religion, discovery, again in the space of a couple hundred pages.
My interest in these volumes stem from having finished Ken Follett's "Kingsbridge series" of novels. Thus far, his history seems accurate, his plot lines and fictional characters believable.
A couple other books on European history await me at the library. Time to head there now.
Rice and Grafton's book is organized by subject areas: Science and Technology, Economic Expansion, Renaissance Society and Humanist Culture, The Early Modern State, and Revolution and Reformation in the Church: problems of (a) Authority and (b) Conversion.
A good one-third of the book dwells on the dramatic changes in European Christianity from Luther to Henry VIII, and how church and state were intertwined throughout the century covered.
The list of famous historic individuals mentioned is breathtaking: DaVinci, Galileo, Guttenberg, Copernicus, Isaac Newton, Raphael, Titian, Boccaccio, Dante, Bertolt Brecht, Francis I, Charles V, Machiavelli, Cortes, Columbus, Martin Luther, Thomas More, Calvin, Zwingli, Erasmus, Ignatius of Loyola, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Cromwell, Catherine of Aragon, The Habsburgs, Phillip II, the House of Medici, William Prince of Orange and others. Also referenced are works from previous eras by Aristotle, Augustine, Cicero, Pliny, Plato, Seneca, Tacitus. Finally, the books are replete with historic plates.
In addition to the name-dropping, what is impressive is the way Rice and Grafton are able to weave history within history, and across so many disciplines: science, the humanities, government, economics, religion, discovery, again in the space of a couple hundred pages.
My interest in these volumes stem from having finished Ken Follett's "Kingsbridge series" of novels. Thus far, his history seems accurate, his plot lines and fictional characters believable.
A couple other books on European history await me at the library. Time to head there now.
September 23, 2019
This is a well-written book that has aged quite well in the half century since it was first published.
Rice captures the reader immediately by stressing the importance of the printing press in the development of Europe as the Middle Ages drew to a close. He brought us through the search for the classical writers by key figures of the Renaissance and how the writings and scholarly works (math, science) from the ancients led to a rebirth of creativity and undue influence of the time period.
He also transitions into the reformation period, which sprung out of the humanist movement of the Renaissance, with brief overviews of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Charles V along with a brief expose on the Peasant's Revolt.
There is a lot of information to pack into a brief work, but Rice executes this task fairly well. The biggest drawback is that he struggles with wrapping it up with a solid conclusion.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for an overview of the timeperiod focusing on the most important areas, this will fill that purpose. If you are looking for something that is a page turner that you cannot put down because you will be totally engrossed in the narrative, this is not that kind of book. Still, for the type of book that this is, the writing is adequate. I've read much worse over the years.
Rice captures the reader immediately by stressing the importance of the printing press in the development of Europe as the Middle Ages drew to a close. He brought us through the search for the classical writers by key figures of the Renaissance and how the writings and scholarly works (math, science) from the ancients led to a rebirth of creativity and undue influence of the time period.
He also transitions into the reformation period, which sprung out of the humanist movement of the Renaissance, with brief overviews of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Charles V along with a brief expose on the Peasant's Revolt.
There is a lot of information to pack into a brief work, but Rice executes this task fairly well. The biggest drawback is that he struggles with wrapping it up with a solid conclusion.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for an overview of the timeperiod focusing on the most important areas, this will fill that purpose. If you are looking for something that is a page turner that you cannot put down because you will be totally engrossed in the narrative, this is not that kind of book. Still, for the type of book that this is, the writing is adequate. I've read much worse over the years.
September 8, 2025
There isn't a fault with this book as such. But it is introductory and often misses out on the nuances of this period. It repeats well-trodden tropes and with its scope being so wide one feels nothing is examined in sufficient depth to come out of the reading experience having learned much. All in all, it can function as an introduction to the period for those without prior knowledge but I felt it flattened out what were ultimately rather tumultuous times.
December 28, 2022
ignore those calling this "dry" -- WEAK!
(wow, exactly a third of a year!)
EDIT: I mean, come on
"Princely conversion, in short, was a matter of conscience, dozens of individuals choices molded by a complex variety of pressures, some secular, some religious, different in each particular case and harmoinzed by the infinite capacity of human beings for self-deception."
dry??
(wow, exactly a third of a year!)
EDIT: I mean, come on
"Princely conversion, in short, was a matter of conscience, dozens of individuals choices molded by a complex variety of pressures, some secular, some religious, different in each particular case and harmoinzed by the infinite capacity of human beings for self-deception."
dry??
October 8, 2018
A little shorter than I expected.
September 8, 2019
This is a painfully dated history, but interesting nevertheless. The prose is accessible and infused with a welcome amount of humor.
May 23, 2021
good book but too much for a plane ride to cancun
March 20, 2021
It’s easier to compose a long text than a short one; to write in academic jargon and clichés rather than original, clear English; and to pander to political trends rather than to seek the truth.
In producing this extraordinary book, Rice and Grafton chose the more difficult path of conciseness, clarity, and integrity. In a mere 202 pages they elucidate a dynamic and culturally rich period of history.
The first chapters of their book survey in detail several trends that radically changed life in Europe. The technology of printing by movable type on rag-based paper revolutionized transmission of factual knowledge and “freed the memory”, enabling education to move its focus from memorization to thinking and judgment. The invention and rapid adoption of the gun shifted power from feudal nobles to kings with their organized infantries.
The application of logic, mathematics, and experimentation established the foundation of fully developed science, which “Only modern western civilization has produced”.
Global exploration introduced tremendous new wealth, shifted Europe’s center of gravity from the Mediterranean towards the Atlantic, and created new perspectives on the world.
Meanwhile, population exploded. Industry, trade and commerce boomed and internationalized. Early capitalism spread in several forms, including vertical organization of craft guilds, subcontracted “putting-out” systems, and enlarged farms. The wealth and power of merchants flourished, and they began to climb the social hierarchy, while workers and peasants had to adjust.
Rice and Grafton’s chapter on humanist values and practices could be the best short summary of the Renaissance ever written. Humanist historians removed their field from theology, examined texts critically, and sought wisdom from man’s experience as a guide to life. The humanists revered the classics and were inspired by their themes to see man’s moral freedom as the basis of human dignity. This spirit was passionately expressed in the sublime art of the period – and in new principles of education intended “to produce free and civilized men”.
The second half of the book explains the consolidation of sovereign states in England, France and Spain which entailed the subordination of nobility to kings. By contrast, in Germany, the Holy Roman “Emperor” failed to centralize power. There, most political authority stayed in the hands of princes, archbishops, free imperial cities, and local lords. In Italy, balance-of-power politics evolved a somewhat stable five-state system.
The final two chapters describe in detail the splintering of the Church between Catholics and reforming but often intolerant Protestants. The ensuing passions polarized Europe. Mutually hostile doctrines attached to different states and classes, sowing the seeds of the horrible religious wars of the 17th Century.
Among the book’s chain of topics, there is not one weak link. Each is explained with insight and telling detail. Well-produced with excellent maps and illustrations, Rice and Grafton’s outstanding book delivers solid understanding of the foundations of modern Europe.
In producing this extraordinary book, Rice and Grafton chose the more difficult path of conciseness, clarity, and integrity. In a mere 202 pages they elucidate a dynamic and culturally rich period of history.
The first chapters of their book survey in detail several trends that radically changed life in Europe. The technology of printing by movable type on rag-based paper revolutionized transmission of factual knowledge and “freed the memory”, enabling education to move its focus from memorization to thinking and judgment. The invention and rapid adoption of the gun shifted power from feudal nobles to kings with their organized infantries.
The application of logic, mathematics, and experimentation established the foundation of fully developed science, which “Only modern western civilization has produced”.
Global exploration introduced tremendous new wealth, shifted Europe’s center of gravity from the Mediterranean towards the Atlantic, and created new perspectives on the world.
Meanwhile, population exploded. Industry, trade and commerce boomed and internationalized. Early capitalism spread in several forms, including vertical organization of craft guilds, subcontracted “putting-out” systems, and enlarged farms. The wealth and power of merchants flourished, and they began to climb the social hierarchy, while workers and peasants had to adjust.
Rice and Grafton’s chapter on humanist values and practices could be the best short summary of the Renaissance ever written. Humanist historians removed their field from theology, examined texts critically, and sought wisdom from man’s experience as a guide to life. The humanists revered the classics and were inspired by their themes to see man’s moral freedom as the basis of human dignity. This spirit was passionately expressed in the sublime art of the period – and in new principles of education intended “to produce free and civilized men”.
The second half of the book explains the consolidation of sovereign states in England, France and Spain which entailed the subordination of nobility to kings. By contrast, in Germany, the Holy Roman “Emperor” failed to centralize power. There, most political authority stayed in the hands of princes, archbishops, free imperial cities, and local lords. In Italy, balance-of-power politics evolved a somewhat stable five-state system.
The final two chapters describe in detail the splintering of the Church between Catholics and reforming but often intolerant Protestants. The ensuing passions polarized Europe. Mutually hostile doctrines attached to different states and classes, sowing the seeds of the horrible religious wars of the 17th Century.
Among the book’s chain of topics, there is not one weak link. Each is explained with insight and telling detail. Well-produced with excellent maps and illustrations, Rice and Grafton’s outstanding book delivers solid understanding of the foundations of modern Europe.
September 5, 2011
I read this book as an optional concise history to help me with the particulars of my Early Modern Europe graduate course. As a quick overview of the historical period, it definitely helped to remind me and inform me of the big names and concepts I needed to know about the period in the course. I do not necessarily trust that the author is completely unbiased, but ultimately that did not matter for my purposes.
September 13, 2008
Lots of great information in this book, however, I can't seem to recall any of it following a session of reading/study.
August 28, 2009
Very well written and extremely interesting. The various topics fit nicely together. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Want to read
June 18, 2012Gilbert, Felix; et al.
The Norton History of Modern Europe
In compilation only.
The Norton History of Modern Europe
In compilation only.
May 24, 2012
A concise and incisive account that stands the test of time.
Read
April 7, 2016Originally read in 2002, reread 2016.
July 29, 2016
A really great look at the renaissance and reformation that works well for both grads and undergrads. Nicely organized with interesting foci in each chapter.
February 18, 2016
Clear and succinct, this is a solid introduction to the time period. The suggested reading at the end is out of date but still highly useful.
October 27, 2020
正好接着《欧洲中世纪史》和《西欧中世纪史》，塑造现代世界面貌的历史开始了。
November 4, 2014
Excellent introduction to the subject.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews