Renaissance Studies is a historiography textbook with a twist. At the heart of the book are six key themes the novelty of the renaissance, the instruments of diffusion, the influx from the Middle East and Asia, the 'quest', cultures and structures and the sacred and profane. Each chapter provides a general view of the specific area of its remit, its proponents, the documentary sources in question, and the significant research tools that are being used or developed for answering some of the major questions in renaissance studies. By focusing on some of the most powerful forces driving human activity, this book conveys the excitement of a period that has fascinated generations.