Sandra Sider – författare

The word renaissance means "rebirth," and the most obvious example of this phenomenon was the regeneration of Europe's classical Roman roots. The Renaissance began in northern Italy in the late 14th century and culminated in England in the early 17th century. Emphasis on the dignity of man (though not of woman) and on human potential distinguished the Renaissance from the previous Middle Ages. In poetry and literature, individual thought and action were prevalent, while depictions of the human form became a touchstone of Renaissance art. In science and medicine the macrocosm and microcosm of the human condition inspired remarkable strides in research and discovery, and the Earth itself was explored, situating Europeans within a wider realm of possibilities. Organized thematically, the Handbook to Life in Renaissance Europe covers all aspects of life in Renaissance Europe: History; religion; art and visual culture; architecture; literature and language; music; warfare; commerce; exploration and travel; science and medicine; education; daily life.

Contemporary quilt artists walk us through their creative development during the pandemic!

Just in time for America’s 2026 semiquincentennial, reveals the significance—especially for women—of commemorative quilt making through 250 years of US history. Quilts were not just lying on beds during America’s history; in fact, they were sewn specifically to celebrate all of the nation’s important birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.Quilt historian Sandra Sider’s book explores the history of commemorative quilt making from the 1876 US Centennial to today, showing how it has acted as a tool for preserving stories, bridging cultural divides, and celebrating important moments both local and national—an easily accessible “scrapbook” in cloth.Includes overviews of commemorative quilting as it fits in with many of US history’s key time points,200 photographs showing the history of and striking variations within the quilting art form, andexplanations of how quilt making intersects with sociopolitical eras, such as the civil rights movement and the women’s rights movement. Made by patriotic women early in our country’s history, by today’s most-cutting-edge quilters, and by many other Americans, these quilts help us reinterpret diverse elements of US society, including women’s roles, racial equity, civic pride, and more.