A History of Private Life, Volume III, Passions of the Renaissance

This is an excelent book, the editors do an outstanding job. I highly recommend it for anyone studying history

I was introduced to this series with volume III and I absolutely loved it as a student and was compelled to purchase the rest. They are nothing like a typical history textbook. So much history is obsessed with politics and war that reading about the history of daily life is a breath of fresh air. Each volume is organized as a collection of nicely illustrated and subdivided essays, each written by one of many eminent French historians. Each essay explores a different topic related to everyday life and the essays are organized into several main themes. Some of the topics are a bit mundane and others are truly fascinating--depending on one's personal taste. My favorite part of this volume is the section that discusses the impact of printing and writing on European culture during this period--far beyond just the obvious. The essay about changing views on childhood was also memorable. There are also quite a few spicy morsels sprinkled throughout these books as well. I learned more about the history of certain aspects of European private life than I expected. Even though these books were written in the 1980s, they will remain relevant, historically useful, and accurate for decades to come. Plus, look at the price of these books used! Amazing, considering how good they are.