Description
1959 edition. Paperback cover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and bending. Spine has some reading creases and wear. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This well-preserved copy of “The Book of the Courtier” by Baldassarre Castiglione offers a fascinating glimpse into the Renaissance ideals of courtly life and behavior. First published in 1528, this seminal work has had a profound influence on Western culture, shaping the concept of the “Renaissance man” – a well-rounded individual versed in a wide range of subjects and possessing impeccable manners and social graces. Castiglione’s dialogues, set in the court of the Duke of Urbino, provide a vivid portrayal of the intellectual and cultural milieu of 16th-century Italy, where aristocrats engaged in lively discussions on topics ranging from art and literature to courtly love and the perfect courtier. This edition, part of the “Milestones of Thought in the History of Ideas” series, includes an informative introduction that contextualizes the work within the broader historical and philosophical currents of the time. For collectors and readers alike, this copy offers a tangible connection to a pivotal text that has left an indelible mark on Western civilization.