Professor James Hankins

 

Professor James Hankins is a distinguished American historian, specializing in the Italian Renaissance's intellectual history, political thought, and the classical tradition, known for his work at Harvard University, his role as founder of the I Tatti Renaissance Library, and his recent focus on the Western tradition with co-author Allen Guelzo, transitioning to the University of Florida's Hamilton School in 2026. He's a leading voice on Renaissance republicanism, philosophy, and the perceived decline of Western culture, advocating for the study of classical traditions to address modern societal issues.

 

Key Contributions & Focus:

Renaissance Studies: Expertise in political thought, philosophy, and the classical tradition during the Renaissance.

I Tatti Renaissance Library: Founder and General Editor of this Harvard University Press series.

Western Tradition: Co-authoring The Golden Thread, arguing for the importance of studying the Greco-Roman, Christian, and European heritage.

Recent Work: Research on philosophical religions in the Renaissance, Leonardo Bruni, and Renaissance republicanism.

 

Career & Transition:

Harvard: Taught at Harvard University for decades, influencing many students with his courses on Western intellectual history.

Recent Move: Moving from Harvard to become a Professor of Humanities at the University of Florida's Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education for the 2026-2027 academic year, signaling a shift in his career.

Themes in his Work:

Believes the study of Western tradition is vital to counter cultural decline and polarization.

Highlights the loss of Christian philosophical context in modern education and its impact.