La civiltà del secolo del Rinascimento in Italia, Volume II

A vivid portrait of Italy’s Golden Age, this volume traces how the Renaissance’s thirst for knowledge turned outward, shaping the nation’s bold ventures into the wider world. It blends cultural history with the spirit of inquiry that drove scholars, artists, and merchants to push the boundaries of what was known.

The first part turns to the sea, recounting the Italian role in early voyages that foreshadowed the Age of Discovery. From the daring Genoese sailors who first sighted the Canary Islands to the daring exploits of Christopher Columbus, the narrative shows how Italy’s commercial networks and Mediterranean experience laid the groundwork for a new era of geographic understanding. Listeners will hear how these adventurers merged curiosity with ambition, forging a legacy that would echo through later explorations.