Humanism: Finding Meaning in the Word

What is a humanist? After an introduction to the earliest ideas of, and terms for, humanism in the ancient world, noted humanist Nicolas Walter explores the history of humanism and its evolving definitions from the time of the original appearance and first meanings of "humanist" in the Italian Renaissance, concluding with a manifesto of modern humanism. Drawing on personal experience and information from more than 400 sources, this is the first full-length treatment of the subject.