48 pages • 1 hour read
Stephen GreenblattThe Swerve: How the World Became Modern
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt chronicles how Poggio Bracciolini rediscovers Lucretius' epic poem On the Nature of Things in 1417, which revives Epicurean philosophy, challenging medieval church doctrine and catalyzing the Renaissance. Topics of religious persecution and violence are discussed.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen Greenblatt's The Swerve is praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, bringing to life the rediscovery of Lucretius's poem and its impact on the Renaissance. Critics commend its readability for both scholars and general readers. However, some argue it occasionally oversimplifies complex historical connections. Overall, it offers an insightful and accessible blend of history and literature.
Who Should Read The Swerve?
A reader who enjoys The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt is likely fascinated by history, literature, and the Renaissance. They may also appreciate books like The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco and The Discoverers by Daniel J. Boorstin, drawn to narratives that explore intellectual history and transformative cultural shifts.
356
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • 15th century
2011
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.