In this classic work of historical scholarship, Schaff provides a comprehensive summary of the cultural and intellectual changes that swept Europe during the Renaissance. He traces the development of humanism, the revival of classical learning, the rise of art and architecture, and the emergence of modern science and philosophy. The book offers a rich and nuanced perspective on one of the most fascinating periods in Western history, and its impact on the cultural and intellectual life of our own time. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.