10 Popular and Most Read Books from the Renaissance Era

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The Renaissance era was a period of great cultural advances. It started in Italy and spread throughout Europe. The Renaissance had lasting effects on art, literature, and the sciences. here are 10 notable works of fiction from this era.

hamlet by william shakespeare

There are many reasons why Hamlet remains Shakespeare’s greatest play and the greatest play of all time. This tragic drama, written between 1599 and 1602, continues to oscillate between extremes of emotional conflict. the essence of revenge along with many other compelling elements, make this a timeless masterpiece.

You are reading: Books written during the renaissance

The Prince of Nicolo Machiavelli

Written in the 16th century, this classic explores power in several stages: obtaining it, maintaining it, and using it. Machiavelli shows his ability to establish skills in state art through his writing. This political treatise continues to be a bestseller in several languages and has been translated into English by Rufus Goodwin.

don quixote by miguel de cervantes

Considered the most influential work of Spanish literature, it was published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615. The story follows the exploits of Alanso Quixano, under the name of Don Quixote who decides to become a knight errant together with his squire, Sancho Panza. It is considered the first modern novel due to liberal literature and its experimentation.

king lear by william shakespeare

Originally written in 1605 or 1606, this classic Shakespearean tragedy recounts the descent of King Lear, who bequeaths his kingdom to his two unfaithful daughters, thus triggering tragic consequences. deprived of everything, he finally realizes the unconditional love of his third daughter, only to meet a tragic end.

john milton’s paradise lost

First published in 1667, it is Milton’s epic poem written in blank verse. Composed of ten books with more than ten thousand verses, it was followed by a second edition (1674) organized into twelve books. the central theme speaks of the fall of man as a result of satan’s temptation of adam and eve. This is considered to be Milton’s main work.

sir thomas more’s utopia

Classified as sociopolitical satirical fiction, this work by More was published in 1516 in Latin. Written in the frame narrative style, the book tells of a fictional island and the various social, religious, and political customs that are practiced on it. Today, many interpreters around the world consider it to be mostly utopian and dystopian fiction.

romeo and juliet by william shakespeare

This classic Shakespeare play is believed to have been written between 1591 and 1595. It tells the tragic story of two young lovers from opposite families, with their death ultimately bringing about reconciliation and thus the end of the feud . this classic has been adapted into numerous plays, movies, and musicals to date.

the divine comedy of dante alighieri

Considered an outstanding work of Italian literature that began in 1308, Dante’s work is a long narrative poem that took 12 years to complete. it is an attempt to understand the mystery of Western civilization through a journey of human experiences and their heights and depths. It is an allegorical composition of the soul’s journey towards God.

in praise of the madness of erasmus

A counterattack to the superstitions and other traditional practices of European society, this essay was written in 1509 in the Latin language by Desiderius Erasmus and printed in 1511. It was considered an important work of the Renaissance period that later played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation.

macbeth by william shakespeare

Scholars have analyzed that this play was written as early as 1599 and is contemporary with other notable Shakespeare plays. the work is a dramatic interpretation of the human ambition for power and the aftermath of the physical and psychological effects that are devastating. this work clearly reflects the relationship of the writer with the ruler of him.

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