Renaissance in Italy, Volumes 6 and 7 (of 7) The Catholic Reaction

"Renaissance in Italy, Volumes 6 and 7 (of 7)" by John Addington Symonds is a look into Italian culture, written in the 1800s. It's a continuation of Symonds' study of the Italian Renaissance, specifically focusing on the Catholic Reaction and how Italian society changed after the main Renaissance period. The book goes into detail about Italy's big achievements in art and thought during the 1400s and early 1500s, and what stopped that progress. The beginning of the book tells the reader that it will discuss the Catholic Revival as a response to the lively arts and ideas of the Renaissance. The introduction shows that it will wrap up ideas from the earlier books, getting ready for the story of the changes in Italy's society and politics that led to powerful groups taking over during the Counter-Reformation. It suggests a link between Spain and the Pope, showing how they changed Italy's path, leading to Italy losing its independence in culture and politics. This introduction sets the scene for a study of the complicated events that shaped Italy's history after the Renaissance.