The 16th century in France saw big changes in intellectual life, culture, religion, and politics, for both women and men. Italian influences brought new ideas in humanism, arts, architecture, and literature. Like men, women writers and thinkers began to explore ideas about the dignity and potential of the individual, reflecting the influence of humanism. At
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When I started Passion for Compasses, I did not expect to discover a medieval eyeopener. Although the subtitle–Medieval Master Builders and their Cathedral Building Plans–intrigued me, I thought I would learn a bit about how medieval architects built the great gothic cathedrals without understanding any of the technicalities. I picked it up from Book Sirens
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Who are the real women behind the a bit about the novel and the truth about its four principal characters. Table of contents Importance of Pawns Plot Claude de France: Princess, Queen, Duchess of Brittany Renée de France, Duchess of Ferrara Michelle de Saubonne, Baronne de Soubise Countess Louise d’Angoulême, the Girls’ Guardian Importance of
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To people asking me, “How do you know that stuff?” I say using Google for research. How is that possible? Here are a few of my secrets. Most authors say that research is one of its joys. Also, one of its traps. Intriguing Plot Details Intriguing plot details are the content that persuade readers you
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Claude de France’s prayer book is an example of the exquisite manuscript art of the French Renaissance. This example demonstrates that Anne of Brittany passed on her passion for religion, beauty and books to her daughter Claude. Queen Anne, Duchess of Brittany bore her elder daughter, Claude de France, in October 1499, 10 months after
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Making Manuscripts Available Worldwide By digitizing thousands of pre-16th century manuscripts, researchers around the world can now study where they are. What a blessing this is. For researchers. Also for their family and workplaces. For the preservation of the precious manuscripts. And to protect our even more precious world. [Not that travel isn’t worthwhile, but
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Queen Anne’s Library and Books of Hours Queen Anne’s library, duchess of Brittany, included several Books of Hours. France considers her Great Hours one of its national treasures. Master Jean Bourdichon, who painted it was one of the great painters of the early French Renaissance. Anne’s library is a famous collection. Some she inherited from her
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Duchess Anne of Brittany’s influence as a patron played a critical role on early Renaissance French literature. She employed poets, writers and historians such as Jean Marot and Pierre Le Baud as secretaries, almoners and heralds. When her husbands went on campaign she sent them to describe their travels. The library she expanded at Blois
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Renaissance Blogs I discovered three new renaissance blogs/ websites recently that I want to share with my readers. Renaissance English History, has been running since provides information on just about all of the famous Tudors. Europeans renaissance figures is lighter in content but contains some fascinating tidbits and useful photos and an excellent source of
