‘The Gentlest Art' in Renaissance Italy
An Anthology of Italian Letters 1459–1600

Originally published in 1954, this book is an anthology of 260 Italian letters written between 1459 and 1600.

K. T. Butler (Compiled by)

9781107620193, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 August 2013

406 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.51 kg

Originally published in 1954, this book is an anthology of 260 Italian letters written between 1459 and 1600 by some of the most prominent figures of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo, Cellini and Machiavelli. Butler divides the letters according to subject matter - news, family matters, reproach, and others - and charts the development of letter writing as a literary form, which flourished in Italy long before anywhere else. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Renaissance or Italian history.

Preface
Introduction
1. The family circle
2. In friendship's name
3. Descriptive and narrative letters
4. Autobiographical letters
5. News
6. Letters of advice and worldly wisdom
7. Reproach, complaint, abuse
8. Art, literature, and learning
9. Posts and professions
10. Jesting letters
11. Last letters
List of sources
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]