The Industrial Revolution happened in Europe rather than in Asia or the Islamic world. Having started on the Italian peninsula, the European Renaissance was an indispensable factor in the lead-up to the ‘European miracle’ (Eric Jones). The seminar therefore discusses its global implications: was the European Renaissance unique or simply one among many other renaissances?
Bernd Roeck is Professor of Modern History at the University of Zurich. He specializes in the cultural history of early modern Europe, especially Italy and the Holy Roman Empire. His recent publications include Gelehrte Künstler (2013); Lebenswelt und Kultur des Bürgertums in der Frühen Neuzeit (2011); and Florence 1900: The Quest for Arcadia (2009).