The Book of the Courtier

Languageen
First published2022-04-08
RightsPublic domain in the USA.
Gutenberg ID#67799

Description

"The Book of the Courtier" by conte Baldassarre Castiglione is a philosophical dialogue composed between 1508 and 1528. Set over four evenings at the Renaissance court of Urbino, the work presents courtiers debating what makes an ideal gentleman worthy of serving a prince. They discuss noble rank, physical prowess, artistic knowledge, proper speech, and the mysterious quality of *sprezzatura*—a studied nonchalance that conceals effort. The book also explores humor, love, and the nature of the perfect court lady, creating a portrait of a vanishing world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Subjects

  • Courtesy -- Early works to 1800
  • Courts and courtiers -- Early works to 1800
  • BJ

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