The Elizabethan World Picture - Softcover

Tillyard, E M W

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0712666060 ISBN 13: 9780712666060

Publisher: Pimlico, 1998

Synopsis

The Elizabethans took from the Middle Ages the modified view of the universe which, Platonic and biblical in origin, radically differed from our own. For them all creation was ranged in an unalterable order from the angels down to man - for whom the world existed - and thence to the beasts and plants. In this short study Dr Tillyard not only elucidates such fairly familiar - though often mystifying - concepts as the four elements, the celestial harmony of 'nine enfolded Sphears', or macrocosm and microcosm; he also shows how this world picture was variously regarded as a chain of being, a network of correspondences, and a cosmic dance. Such concepts were commonplace to the Elizabethans. By expounding them the author has rendered plain, and not merely picturesque, the literature and thinking of an age.

About this title

Review:

"Shines a brilliant light." (Toby Clements The Big Issue in the North)

Book Description:

'An exciting book. . . Dr Tillyard adds new incitement to the adventure of reading the Elizabethans. ' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

About this edition

• Publisher: Pimlico
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0712666060
• ISBN 13: 9780712666060
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128