Classical humanism and republicanism in English political thought, 1570-1640 / Markku Peltonen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Peltonen, Markku, author.

Series:

Ideas in context ; 36.

Ideas in context ; 36

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political science--Great Britain--History--16th century.

Political science.

Political science--Great Britain--History--17th century.

Humanism--England--History--16th century.

Humanism.

Humanism--England--History--17th century.

Republicanism--Great Britain--History.

Republicanism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xii, 356 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Other Title:

Classical Humanism & Republicanism in English Political Thought, 1570-1640

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Markku Peltonen examines humanist and republican themes in English political thinking between the mid-sixteenth century and the Civil War. He challenges the dominant view that humanism fizzled out in the middle of the sixteenth century only to re-emerge during the 1650s in the writings of such classical republicans as James Harrington and John Milton. The English continued to use central notions of the humanist tradition such as the virtuous civic life and vera nobilitas to portray themselves as citizens, characterizing their life as one of participation rather than subjection. They often resorted to openly republican themes - notably that governors be elected rather than hereditary - and the classical idea of the mixed constitution was profoundly influential. Dr Peltonen casts an important new perspective on these humanist and republican themes, and locates their uses in specific historical circumstances.

Contents:

Introduction: classical humanism and republicanism in England before the Civil War

1. Classical humanism restated

2. Classical republicanism in the margins of Elizabethan politics

3. Civic life and the mixed constitution in Jacobean political thought

4. Francis Bacon, Thomas Hedley and the true greatness of Britain

5. Thomas Scott: virtue, liberty and the 'mixed Government'

6. The continuity of the humanist tradition in early Caroline England.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 313-347) and index.

ISBN:

0-511-59856-4