Lisa Jardine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Jardine) argues that the creation of culture during the Renaissance was inextricably tied to the creation of wealth — that the expansion of commerce spurred the expansion of thought. This is a superb and fascinating read, especially for those who are drawn to the Renaissance as a subject.
Do also listen to the Radio 4 ‘In Our Time’ podcast (45 minutes) on the Renaissance at the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00546tq With Francis Ames-Lewis, Professor of History of Art, Birkbeck College; Peter Burke, Professor of Cultural History and Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge; Dr Evelyn Welch, Reader in the History of Art, University of Sussex.
481 pages in Papermac paperback edition.
ISBN 978-0333674468
Professor Lisa Jardine