Histoire De France 1484-1515 (volume 9/19)

A historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume, part of a larger work, explores the Renaissance period in France, bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and the modern age. It aims to examine the cultural and intellectual changes that marked this transformative era, including a focus on individualism and the resurgence of classical thought. At the start of the volume, the author reflects on the ten years of research that have preceded this work, emphasizing the need to connect the histories of the Middle Ages with those of the Renaissance and the Reformation. Michelet discusses the notion of the Renaissance as not just an artistic revival, but a broader renewal of human thought and understanding. He contrasts the dynamism and creative spirit of this period with the oppressive structures of the preceding medieval era, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of the social, political, and cultural evolution that defines this critical juncture in French history.