Thomas Smith and the Advancement of Humanism in Cambridge
Read MoreThe revival of classical texts that accompanied the Renaissance humanist movement would not have been possible without the invention of the printing press. Humanist publishers such as Johann Froben, Erasmus’ business partner, edited and printed ancient texts, numerous copies of which were then distributed throughout Europe. Smith owned several books that had been printed by the Basel-based Froben family, among them the works of the Roman historian Tacitus. Though in the Middle Ages Tacitus’ hostility to Christianity had made his writings unpopular, the Renaissance saw a revival amongst humanists who were impressed by his dramatic presentation of the Imperial age.
Author: Cornelius Tacitus
Title: Historia augusta actionum diurnalium [Histories]
(Basel, 1519)
Shelfmark: F.1.4 (catalogue record)
16th centuryF.1.4John Ponetinscriptionsprovenancetitle pageswoodcuts
- No Comments