From Byzantium to Italy : Greek Studies in the Italian Renaissance

Which famous poet treasured his copy of Homer, but could never learn Greek? What prompted diplomats to circulate a speech by Demosthenes – in Latin translation – when the Turks threatened to invade Europe? Why would enthusiastic Florentines crowd a lecture on the Roman Neoplatonist Plotinus, but underestimate the importance of Plato himself? Having all but disappeared during the Middle Ages, classical Greek would recover a position of importance – eventually equal to that of classical Latin - only after a series of surprising failures, chance encounters, and false starts.

This important study of the rediscovery and growing influence of classical Greek scholarship in Italy from the 14th to the early 16th centuries is brought up to date in a new edition that reflects on the recent developments in the field of classical reception studies, and contains fully up-to-date references to aid students and scholars. From a leading authority on Greek palaeography in the English-speaking world, here is a complete account of the historic rediscovery of Greek philosophy, language and literature during the Renaissance, brought up-to-date for a modern audience of classicists, historians, and students and scholars of reception studies and the Classical Tradition.

“An essential introduction to the reception of classical Greek literature in humanist Italy … It remains a pleasure and a thrill to read this book. Wilson’s language is clear and concise. The author focuses on the essential but still enlivens the narrative with enjoyable and exciting anecdotes without ever losing the thread of his argument. He finds the right balance between sticking to facts and launching hypotheses on the basis of possible relations and links. In the age of companions and conference proceedings, this monograph particularly captivates thanks to the homogeneity of its contents and themes, as well as the sharpness of its focus.” –Bryn Mawr Classical Review

“This second edition of From Byzantium to Italy (the first appeared in 1992) stands as a welcome testament to this study’s enduring relevance, and its updated notes evince attention to recent research concerning the most influential figures and texts … All professional scholars and graduate students whose research relates to the classical tradition will find food for thought here. Similarly, advanced undergraduates, and particularly those writing theses, will profit from and enjoy this study.” – New England Classical Journal

“This book, in its new paperback format, will undoubtedly be of use to scholars of translation and graduate students as a starting point for their work on particular translators or individual works.” – Ancient History Bulletin

“An indispensable reference for any scholar interested in studying the transmission, reception and import of ancient Greek texts in Renaissance Italy … With this study, Wilson shares his impressive erudition and paleographical expertise offering an exemplary model for balancing concision with wealth of examples, for sketching the broader trends and introducing minute, yet relevant details.” - Classical Journal