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The book explores how humanism reshaped social dynamics in sixteenth-century England by elevating textual skills above martial abilities, allowing lowborn scholars to gain access to noble households. This newfound intimacy between masters and scholars, however, faced scrutiny and accusations of sodomy, reflecting societal anxieties about shifting social relations. Alan Stewart's investigation not only highlights the transformative impact of humanism but also contributes to modern discussions of sexuality in Renaissance art and literature.