Some of the most popular books during the Renaissance included:
- Classical literature: The works of ancient Greek and Roman authors were revered and studied by Renaissance humanists. They included philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, historians such as Thucydides and Livy, and playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides.
- Religious literature: The Bible, the works of the early Church Fathers, and the lives of saints were all widely read during the Renaissance.
- Historical texts: Medieval chronicles, accounts of contemporary events, and travelogues were all popular reading material.
- Poetry: The Renaissance saw a flowering of poetic talent, with poets such as Petrarch and Dante writing in the vernacular.
- Scientific treatises: The Renaissance was a time of great scientific discovery, and new books on astronomy, mathematics, and anatomy were constantly appearing.
- Books on art and architecture: The Renaissance saw a revival of interest in the visual arts, and books on perspective and anatomy for artists were in high demand.