Ian McFarlane (literary scholar)

Ian McFarlane (1915-2001) was a Scottish literary scholar specializing in the literature and thought of the French Renaissance. He is particularly known for his work on the French poet and humanist George Buchanan, and for his contributions to the study of intellectual history and the dissemination of ideas during the 16th century.

McFarlane held academic positions at the University of St Andrews and later at the University of Oxford, where he was a Fellow of Wadham College. His scholarship was characterized by meticulous research, a deep understanding of primary sources, and a commitment to contextualizing literary works within their historical and intellectual environments. He explored the interplay of religious, political, and philosophical currents in shaping the literature of the period.

His publications include critical editions of Buchanan's works, as well as studies of Renaissance concepts of love, friendship, and the self. He also wrote extensively on the printing and book trade during the Renaissance, examining the role of publishers and printers in the transmission of knowledge. His work is considered a significant contribution to the field of Renaissance studies, offering valuable insights into the intellectual and cultural landscape of 16th-century France. McFarlane was a respected figure in the academic community, known for his rigorous scholarship and his dedication to his students.