Structure

The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt is separated into eleven chapters. The first several chapters describe the travels of and discovery by Poggio, a papal scribe and secretary to the pope, of a book that laid out the tenets of Epicureanism and atheism. The book in question was On the Nature of Things by ancient Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius who was very influenced by his mentor and idol, Epicurus.

The narrative then describes the environment at the time of Poggio’s discovery. There was great religious contrast between the Christians and pagans as well as internal problems within the Church itself. There was a deep schism between Church leaders. There were several Church officials from outlying Italian states who claimed the pope’s throne. The Church had become vigilant in its quest to rid the city of any signs of paganism. Heretics...