University of California Press Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke 1554-1628: A Critical Biography

Dive into the enigmatic and intellectual world of Fulke Greville, a towering yet often misunderstood figure of the English Renaissance. Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke, 1554–1628: A Critical Biography unveils the life and works of this poet, statesman, and thinker whose writings combine political insight, moral philosophy, and profound religious conviction. Known as a confidant of Sir Philip Sidney and a courtier under Queen Elizabeth I, Greville’s poetry remained unpublished during his lifetime, awaiting future generations to uncover its depth. This book sheds light on Greville’s intricate exploration of human ambition, the tension between worldly honor and divine grace, and the complex interplay of power and faith. Through meticulous scholarship, the biography examines Greville's seminal works, including Caelica, his philosophical treatises, and his dramatic plays, all of which reflect his intellectual rigor and distinctive ""plain style"" infused with moral complexity. Readers will journey through Greville's labyrinthine texts, rich with meditations on fame, virtue, and the fragility of human aspirations. With detailed historical context and insightful analysis, this critical biography brings clarity to Greville’s apocalyptic and cabalistic style, revealing a master poet whose reflections on human frailty resonate deeply across the centuries. Perfect for lovers of Renaissance literature and intellectual history, this biography reclaims Greville’s rightful place among the great poets and thinkers of his age. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1971.