Routledge - The Invention of Discovery, 1500-1700 (History Book)

Explore the shifting boundaries of knowledge in the early modern period with this scholarly volume from Routledge. While history often labels the years 1500-1700 as the Age of Discovery or an age of invention, this collection questions the very nature of that distinction. It investigates whether the binary between invention and discovery was itself a product of the era. This interdisciplinary book examines how modern natural science emerged through various knowledge practices. By looking at figures like Bacon and Galileo, the text connects diverse fields including math, stagecraft, martyrology, and romance. It provides a deep look at how the concept of discovery became a standard for knowledge production. Perfect for students and historians, this work offers a fresh perspective on how early modern cultures viewed the world. It moves beyond simple historical narratives to analyze the generation of discovery as an absolute standard. Gain a new understanding of how scientific and literary cultures shaped the modern world through this comprehensive historical study.