Coach ParrishOMSChapter 15, Section 2

In the mid 1400s, a German named Johannes Gutenberg created a new way to print books.

Gutenberg developed:1. movable type – individual letters and

marks that could be arranged quickly.2.printing press – a machine that used the

movable type to make pages.

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Over time, literature and other ideas spread all over Europe. Gutenberg’s inventions along with increased trade helped spread the Renaissance north.

Christian Humanism - applying humanism to religion, specifically Christianity. The leading Christian humanist was Desiderius Erasmus.

Erasmus was a Roman Catholic priest. He wrote about Church practices that he felt were corrupt in his book, In Praise of Folly. Erasmus thought that certain practices were used to cover up corruption.

In addition to Christian texts, Erasmus also studied Greek and Latin works. His studies helped education in Europe. Erasmus’ friend, Sir Thomas More, also wrote books based on Greek texts. His famous book, Utopia, described a perfect world.

New literary forms came out of the Renaissance.A group of seven French poets known as the

Pleiade used Greek and Roman forms to create French poetry. The poetry focused on love and immortality.

The sonnet also began during the Renaissance. The most famous writer using sonnets was Shakespeare.

England’s best known poet, William Shakespeare wrote at least 37 verse plays, many of which were based on ancient works. Some of Shakespeare’s most famous works are Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and, King Lear.

Several artists in northern and western Europe became famous. Jan van Eyck became a master at realistic portraits. He used multiple layers of oil paints to create rich visual effects.

Germany’s Albrecht Dürer was a famous painter and woodworker. His works reflected the world around him.