Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Germany" to "Gibson, William" / Volume 11, Slice 8

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

37610

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Germany" to "Gibson, William" / Volume 11, Slice 8

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume from the 11th Edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica offers a comprehensive survey of German history from the 12th to 19th centuries, alongside detailed entries on art, geography, and culture. It chronicles the transition from feudal strife to imperial unity under Frederick I, explores the artistic genius of Lorenzo Ghiberti and John Gibson, and examines the evolution of Jewish ghettos. Written with scholarly authority, it serves as an essential reference for understanding the political, cultural, and artistic landscape of Europe...

Summary up to 500 words

Volume 11, Slice 8 of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, offers a comprehensive survey of European history, art, and culture, with a primary focus on Germany and its neighbors. The historical narrative begins in the 12th century, detailing the decline of royal power and the ensuing civil wars between the Welf and Hohenstaufen families. Under Frederick I (Barbarossa), Germany sought to restore order and expand its influence across Italy, Poland, and Bohemia. However, his reign was marked by a protracted struggle with the Papacy, culminating in his defeat at Legnano, and a fierce conflict with Duke Henry the Lion, whose rebellion necessitated a reorganization of German duchies. The volume also traces the complex history of the Netherlands and the city of Ghent, highlighting its role in the struggle against Spanish tyranny and its eventual integration into modern Belgium. Furthermore, the text examines the oppressive yet intricate system of Jewish ghettos in medieval and early modern Europe, describing their origins, internal autonomy, and eventual abolition in the 19th century. Beyond political history, the volume celebrates significant artistic achievements. Lorenzo Ghiberti is profiled as a master sculptor renowned for his bronze gates in Florence's baptistery, works Michelangelo later deemed worthy of being the gates of paradise. His religious spirit and mastery of perspective are contrasted with those of Donatello. Another entry honors John Gibson, an English sculptor celebrated for his classical marble works and basso relievi. Gibson is noted for his ability to capture natural grace, his introduction of color to sculpture, and his unique method of observing everyday life to inform mythological subjects. The volume also features William Hamilton Gibson, an American naturalist and illustrator known for his precise, almost microscopic drawings of flora and fauna. Through these diverse entries, the text illustrates the interplay between political power, religious influence, and artistic expression, painting a picture of a Europe in flux where old feudal structures were giving way to new states, and where art and science flourished alongside political turmoil.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37610.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg37610.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-12 13:07 UTC

Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries