The History of Italy

About this book

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 dItalia 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 Alexanders readable translation and abridgment of Guicciardinis four-volume work earned the prestigious 1970 P.E.N. Club translation award. His perceptive introduction and notes add much to the understanding of Guicciardinis masterpiece.