The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionised the way that books were produced and disseminated. This had a profound impact on biographies, which became more widely available and accessible to a broader audience.
The growth of humanism
Humanism was a philosophical movement that emerged in the 14th century and reached its peak in the 16th century. Humanists were interested in the study of classical Greek and Roman literature, and they believed that the best way to understand the human condition was through the study of history and biography.
The rise of individualism
The 16th century saw a growing emphasis on individualism and self-expression. This was reflected in the way that biographies were written, with authors focusing more on the personal lives and achievements of their subjects.
The emergence of new genres of biography
In addition to the traditional form of biography, which focused on the life of a single individual, new genres of biography emerged in the 16th century, including:
* Autobiography: This is a biography written by the person themselves.
* Hagiography: This is a biography of a saint or holy person.
* Martyrology: This is a biography of a martyr.
The influence of Protestantism
The Protestant Reformation had a significant impact on the way that biographies were written. Protestant biographers often focused on the spiritual lives of their subjects, and they used biography as a way to promote religious reform.
The development of new methods of historical research
The 16th century saw the development of new methods of historical research, such as the use of primary sources and the study of archival materials. This led to more accurate and reliable biographies.
The rise of biography as a literary genre
In the 16th century, biography began to be recognised as a literary genre in its own right. This was due to the increasing complexity and sophistication of biographies, which were now seen as more than just a simple record of a person's life.