Debts, Dowries, Donkeys

The Diary of Niccolò Machiavelli's Father, Messer Bernardo, in Quattrocento Florence
1. Auflage 2002
ISBN: 978-3-631-38351-3
Verlag: Peter Lang

Buch, Englisch, Band 5, 190 Seiten, Format (B × H): 148 mm x 210 mm, Gewicht: 259 g

Reihe: Dialoghi / Dialogues

The starting-point for this study of messer Bernardo, father of the statesman and humanist Niccolò Machiavelli, is the diary he wrote over a period of thirteen years (1474-1487). Drawing upon many further sources, including Bernardo’s will, tax records and genealogies, the first in-depth investigation of the libro di ricordi reconstructs a panorama of everyday life during a fascinating period of the history of Florence. Topics explored include Machiavelli family history, household economy, wedding rites and Bernardo’s interest in books and printing. This study is invaluable for an understanding of Niccolò’s intellectual and family background. Four case-studies examine how messer Bernardo dealt with disputes and reveal the medieval roots of behaviour and mentality in Quattrocento Florence.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Atkinson, Catherine

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Contents: Machiavelli family history (medieval) – Niccolò Machiavelli’s family background – Intellectual interests in Renaissance Florence – Study of Florentine mentalities – Messer Bernardo as a household economist – Writing ricordanze (diaries).

Über Autor(innen)

The Author: After studying European Prehistory at London University, Catherine Atkinson, M. A., worked for a number of years in medieval building archaeology in Northern Germany, where she now lives. Having completed a master’s course at Hannover University in Medieval and Early Modern History, she is currently engaged in writing her doctoral thesis in Renaissance History and Literature.