Dark Brilliance : The Age of Reason from Descartes to Peter the Great

Dark Brilliance: The Age of Reason from Descartes to Peter the Great is a masterful exploration by Paul Strathern that delves deep into the complexities of a transformative period in European history. This sweeping narrative captures the duality of the Age of Reason, characterized by monumental progress in various fields, yet marred by brutality and intolerance.

Spanning the tumultuous 1600s, this book reveals how the Age of Reason emerged in the aftermath of the Renaissance, coinciding with devastating conflicts like the Thirty Years' War. Strathern skillfully intertwines accounts of legendary figures such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Newton, and Louis XIV with the socio-political upheavals that defined the era. Readers will uncover:

• A vivid portrayal of influential thinkers: Engage with the lives and ideas of intellectual giants like Descartes and Spinoza.
• An exploration of artistic advancements: Discover how art flourished amid chaos, shaping European culture.
• A deep analysis of political turbulence: Understand how wars and conflicts influenced philosophical thought.

As the author of acclaimed works like The Borgias and The Florentines, Strathern brings a narrative flair that enriches the reader's experience, making history accessible and engaging. The book’s unique perspective on the human cost of progress offers a profound reflection on how the foundations of modernity were laid amidst violence and strife.

Join Strathern on this illuminating journey through a paradoxical age—where brilliance and darkness coexist, shaping the Western world as we know it today.