Andrew Hui

Andrew Hui, an Associate Professor at Yale-NUS College and author of "The Study: The Inner Life of Renaissance Libraries," dives into the fascinating realm of the sixteenth-century studiolo. He highlights how these private sanctuaries nurtured intellectual growth amidst societal turmoil. Topics include the influence of solitude on literary figures like Don Quixote and Dr. Faustus, the significance of personal sanctuaries in fostering creativity, and the transformative power of reading. Hui draws connections between past and present, exploring the cultural legacy of book collecting and solitary reflection.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Hui, a literature professor at Yale and US College in Singapore, delves into the fascinating world of Renaissance libraries. He shares insights on the studiolo as a refuge for scholars, exploring its dual role in self-cultivation and isolation. Hui reflects on literary giants from Petrarch to Montaigne, revealing how their personal libraries influenced their lives. He also examines artistic depictions of bibliophiles, illustrating both the joy and peril of solitary reading in the Renaissance, drawing parallels to today’s information overload.