A Note From the Web Master
The annals of history are replete with evidence identifying the importance of intellectual growth in the advancement of civilization. Man has progressively built upon the intellectual foundations and concepts of his predecessors. Aristotle's Analytics, Justinian's Institutes, Copernicus' cosmological revolution, and a myriad of other important contributions have helped delineate cultural consciousness throughout the ages. Medieval exegetes and scholars built upon the intellectual foundations of their forefathers. Renaissance artists and intellectuals revived Greco-Roman classicism in their attempts to discern the dynamics of a rapidly changing world. I mention these elements of man's intellectual evolution because they are quintessential components of my interest in literary scholarship.
The English Renaissance undoubtedly produced some of the most intriguing literary works in human history: Spensor's Fairy Queen explores the importance of chivalric values and virtue in society; Sydney's inspiring Defense of Poetry is replete with provocative arguments elucidating the importance of poesy in contemporary society; Sir Thomas Moore's Utopia examines man's quest for egalitarianism and social equity; Shakespeare's Hamlet philosophically explores the perpetual tension between the corporeal and the incorporeal. This web site is designed to introduce the visitor to such timeless and intriguing works. Come, join me as we explore the wisdom and insight of our intellectual progenitors of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Undoubtedly, we will learn much from participating in such a rewarding retrospective.
Donald Edward Williams
Class of 1998
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