Ramie Targoff is an American author, scholar, and professor who specializes in Renaissance literature, with a particular focus on English and Italian poetry of the 16th and 17th centuries. She is known for her scholarly contributions to the understanding of the works of poets such as John Donne and Petrarch. Targoff is also recognized for exploring the intersections between literature, religion, and the history of ideas during the Renaissance period. In addition to her academic writings, Targoff has written for a more general audience, publishing biographical and literary studies that aim to make Renaissance literature accessible to a wider readership. Her works often delve into the lives and writings of historical figures, offering insights into their personal experiences as well as the cultural context of their times. Targoff holds a faculty position at Brandeis University, where she teaches in the English department and is also involved with the programs in Italian Studies and Comparative Literature. Her publications include books such as "Common Prayer: The Language of Public Devotion in Early Modern England" and "Renaissance Woman: The Life of Vittoria Colonna," among others, which reflect her dedication to bringing a nuanced understanding of Renaissance thought and literature to both scholars and lay readers.