Francesco Guicciardini's sixteenth-century History of Italy is one
of the most widely respected classics of Renaissance
historiography. And it is one of the most universally neglected.
This splendid new translation should go far toward correcting the
latter situation. The chronological span of the book is not great,
covering barely three decades (14931523). But it is a period that
was not matched before, nor has it been equalled since, as the
telescoping of an age; the age of Charles V, of the glory of the
Medici, the ascendancy of the Borgias, Savonarola, Henry VIII,
Julius II and Francis I. Guicciardini's style of narration was
complex - Proustian, almost - and reflected the political and
motivational complexities of his time. The translator, wisely, has
not attempted to "simplify" his style for a less patient, or
perhaps for a less literate, age, but has contented himself with
abstracting those parts of the author's work which have no possible
interest for any but the most devoted historian (e.g., the texts of
treaties, etc.). He has thus faithfully conveyed the substance and
the spirit of the book while eliminating the detritus of history.
There will be some call for this hardcover edition, but the real
market will be for a paperback version suitable for students.
(Kirkus Reviews)
In 1537 Francesco Guicciardini, adviser and confidant to three
popes, governor of several central Italian states, ambassador,
administrator, military captain--and persona non grata with the
ruling Medici after the siege of Florence--retired to his villa to
write a history of his times. His Storia d'Italia became the
classic history of Italy--both a brilliant portrayal of the
Renaissance and a penetrating vision into the tragedy and comedy of
human history in general. Sidney Alexander's readable translation
and abridgment of Guicciardini's four-volume work earned the
prestigious 1970 P.E.N. Club translation award. His perceptive
introduction and notes add much to the understanding of
Guicciardini's masterpiece.
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