Abstract

Professor Mazzeo’s declared aim has been to write a general introduction to ‘the revolutionary shifts in thought, taste or perception’ which occurred in Europe between the 14th century and the 17th. In order to avoid too abstract a treatment, he approaches his subject through four men who are ‘magisterial and comprehensive as well as somehow typical’. They are Machiavelli, Castiglione, Bacon and Hobbes. There is an introductory chapter on humanism, and a concluding one on the idea of progress.