Author
Ferdinand Gregorovius
1821-1891
Ferdinand Gregorovius (1821-1891) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Ferdinand Gregorovius
Wanderings in Corsica: Its History and Its Heroes. Vol. 1 of 2
"Wanderings in Corsica: Its History and Its Heroes. Vol. 1 of 2" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the complex and rich history of Corsica, focusing on its various rulers, cultural developments, and notable figures, particularly the legendary Sampiero, who emerges as a significant hero in the narrative. At the start of the work, the author reflects on his journey to Corsica, drawn by its enigmatic landscapes and the stories of its people. He admits to becoming engrossed in the island's history and cultural heritage, presenting early insights that reveal Corsica’s past of diverse influences from ancient Greeks and Romans to its struggles against foreign domination. The opening chapters discuss the early colonial history of the island and introduce key historical events and figures that paved the way for Corsica's identity, setting up a narrative that promises to intertwine history with the legendary heroism of its inhabitants.
Lucretia Borgia According to Original Documents and Correspondence of Her Day
"Lucretia Borgia According to Original Documents and Correspondence of Her Day" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the intriguing life of Lucretia Borgia, exploring her background as the illegitimate daughter of the infamous Rodrigo Borgia, later Pope Alexander VI, and the complex societal and familial dynamics surrounding her. It seeks to shed light on the often misunderstood character of Lucretia, juxtaposing her legend against the documented history of her family during a tumultuous period in Renaissance Italy. The opening of the book sets the stage by providing a thorough introduction to Lucretia's father, Rodrigo Borgia, detailing his rise within the Church, his relationships, and the political machinations of the time that shaped Lucretia's early life. It outlines Rodrigo's background, character, and the influence of his Spanish origins, contributing to a broader understanding of the Borgia family's impact on Italian history. Additionally, the text begins to explore the implications of Lucretia's lineage and her childhood, foreshadowing the challenges and societal expectations she would face as a female member of a powerful, yet notorious, family in a patriarchal society.
Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 3
"Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 3" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a collection of travel writings crafted in the late 19th century. This work offers detailed explorations and reflections on various Italian locales, particularly focusing on historical and cultural narratives surrounding places such as Elba Island, Florence, and the countryside around Rome. Through Gregorovius's prose, readers can expect an engaging account of Italy's landscapes combined with historical insights and personal musings. The opening of this volume transports readers to Elba Island, where the author describes the journey by steamboat from Livorno, illustrating the coastal beauty and historical significance of the area. He vividly portrays the landscape, replete with its rolling hills and ancient ruins, while reflecting on the intriguing history of the island, particularly in relation to Napoleon's exile. As Gregorovius arrives in Porto-Ferraio, he paints a picturesque scene of the harbor and describes the serene atmosphere that belies the island's historical weight. His observations blend geographical detail with historical narratives, providing a rich introduction to the themes that will likely resonate throughout the rest of the volume.
Lucrezia Borgia secondo documenti e carteggi del tempo
"Lucrezia Borgia secondo documenti e carteggi del tempo" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The text explores the complex life of Lucrezia Borgia, understanding her role against the backdrop of her notorious family, including her father, Pope Alexander VI, and her brother, Cesare Borgia. The author aims to differentiate fact from legend, examining Lucrezia's life through original documents of the era. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the controversial figure of Lucrezia Borgia, highlighting the historical and legendary interpretations of her character. Gregorovius presents Lucrezia as both a product of her tumultuous family and a potential victim of historical misrepresentation. The discussion sets a critical tone, as he references earlier works that either vilified or defended her image, ultimately emphasizing the need for a thorough historical analysis to uncover the truth behind her life in a time characterized by political intrigue and moral ambiguity in Rome. The text promises an exploration of the Borgia family's influence and the societal conditions that shaped Lucrezia's identity.
Wanderings in Corsica: Its History and Its Heroes. Vol. 2 of 2
"Wanderings in Corsica: Its History and Its Heroes. Vol. 2 of 2" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work explores the landscape, culture, and significant figures of Corsica, revealing the island's tumultuous past through the author's journey and reflections. It emphasizes the historical events and personal stories that shaped Corsican identity, focusing on both its beauty and the tragedies tied to its vendettas and conflicts. At the start of this volume, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the Corsican landscape as the author travels from Bastia through the district of Nebbio towards the Gulf of San Fiorenzo. Along the way, he describes the natural scenery, the remnants of ancient settlements, and the historical significance of various locations, such as the town of San Fiorenzo and its shady past involving the Genoese and Corsican conflicts. The opening chapters establish a rich atmosphere of both idyllic beauty and darker historical undertones, setting the stage for the exploration of Corsica’s culture, including its unique practices around music, death, and the vendetta, alongside intriguing historical figures such as Pasquale Paoli.
Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 5
"Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 5" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a vivid travelogue that details the author's explorations and observations of various sites in Italy, particularly focusing on Girgenti (Agrigento) and its historical significance. The work intricately weaves together personal experiences with rich historical context, making it a compelling resource for those interested in both travel and Italian history. The opening of this volume recounts Gregorovius's journey from Palermo to Girgenti on horseback, accompanied by a local guide. He describes the stunning Sicilian landscape, from mountainous terrains to lush plains, as he traverses through towns like Alcamo and Segesta. His prose is imbued with observations of the natural beauty, ancient ruins, and the tragic history of Agrigento, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of its monumental temples and the philosophical legacy of figures like Empedocles. This introductory passage invites readers to appreciate not only the physical journey but also the deeper reflections on time, culture, and human endeavors within the timeless Italian landscape.
Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 4
"Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 4" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a travelogue written in the late 19th century. The work explores various cities and regions of Italy, particularly focusing on Napoli, its vibrant culture, and its historical significance during the period following the 1848 revolution. Through Gregorovius's keen observations, readers get a glimpse into the contrasts between different Italian cities, as well as a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that defines the landscapes he describes. At the start of the book, Gregorovius contrasts the somber atmosphere of Rome after the revolution with the lively energy of Naples. He paints a vivid picture of the bustling markets, the exuberant crowds, and the serene coastal beauty of the area, while reflecting on the historical scars left by recent political upheavals. The author engages with locals, revealing a culture that finds joy amid chaos, and he describes his travels around Naples, including notable landmarks like Castel Sant'Elmo and the vibrant local markets. Through his descriptive prose, Gregorovius invites readers to feel the pulse of the city and understand its unique character, setting the stage for the themes and explorations that will unfold throughout the volume.
Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 2
"Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 2" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This volume is part of a broader exploration of Italy, delving into its historical landmarks and cultural heritage, particularly through the author's experiences in regions like Umbria, Sabina, and Rome. The work emphasizes the historical significance of specific sites and the influence of various historical figures and events on the development of Italian civilization. The opening of the text presents the historical context of the abbey of Subiaco, one of the earliest Benedictine monasteries in the West. It describes the abbey's founding, its importance during the Middle Ages, and its intricate relationship with Rome and the temporal power of the papacy. The author details the contributions of Saint Benedict and the monastic community in preserving classical culture and advancing civilization amidst the chaos of the post-Roman world, establishing a foundation for monasticism that would spread throughout Europe. This rich historical backdrop sets the tone for Gregorovius's exploration of Italy, inviting readers to appreciate the intersection of geography, history, and spirituality in the shaping of Italian identity.
Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 1
"Passeggiate per l'Italia, vol. 1" by Ferdinand Gregorovius is a collection of detailed travel essays written in the mid-19th century. The work captures the author's explorations of the Italian landscape and its historical richness, particularly focusing on areas like the Roman countryside and regions surrounding Rome. Gregorovius combines his observations of nature with a deep appreciation for history, making it a reflective and insightful journey into Italy’s past and present. The opening of the volume sets the tone for Gregorovius's narrative, as he introduces readers to the Campagna romana—the expansive, rugged region surrounding Rome. He outlines the geography and historical significance of various locales, such as Genazzano and Palestrina, weaving in anecdotes and observations from his own experiences in the area. The author is vividly engaged with the beauty of the landscape, while simultaneously reflecting on the socio-political realities of its inhabitants, revealing the contrasts between the pastoral charm and the struggles faced by local communities. Throughout this introduction, the reader can sense Gregorovius’s deep admiration for both the natural beauty and the complex history that permeates Italy, an invitation to further explore its intricacies in the subsequent chapters.
Storia della città di Roma nel medio evo, vol. 2/8 : $b dal secolo V al XVI
"Storia della città di Roma nel medio evo, vol. 2/8 : dal secolo V al XVI" by Ferdinando Gregorovius is a historical account written in the late 19th century. It traces Rome’s transformation in the early Middle Ages, from the collapse of the ancient civic order to the ascendancy of the papacy, the spread of monasticism, and the city’s struggles between Byzantine authority and Lombard pressure. Figures such as Benedict of Nursia and Gregory the Great exemplify how religious institutions replaced imperial structures and reshaped urban life. Expect a richly detailed political, ecclesiastical, and urban narrative rather than character-driven storytelling. The opening of this volume paints a stark tableau of a ruined Rome—temples crumbling, forums silent, baths stripped—while the Church rises as the city’s only vigilant organizer and protector behind Aurelian’s walls. It recounts Benedict’s retreat to Subiaco, the founding of Monte Cassino atop a former pagan site, the crafting of his Rule, and the swift spread of monastic life (from Cassiodorus’s Vivarium to Roman convents fostered by patrician women), culminating in Benedictines sheltered at the Lateran after the Lombards raze Monte Cassino. The narrative then follows the Lombard advance, the embattled pontificates of Benedict I and Pelagius II, and appeals to Constantinople, with Gregory dispatched as apocrisiarius. Flood and plague ravage the city; Pelagius dies, and the rebuilding of San Lorenzo marks the era’s piety amid disaster. Gregory’s election ushers in penitential processions and the legend of the archangel sheathing his sword atop Hadrian’s mausoleum to end the pestilence. Finally, his first sermons read like a funeral oration over Rome as Agilulf and Ariulf press the siege, while he buys off the enemy, clashes diplomatically with the exarch and emperor, and the text sketches the fragile civic framework—prefect, magister militum, and the near-silence surrounding a vanished Senate.
Storia della città di Roma nel medio evo, vol. 3/8 : $b dal secolo V al XVI
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Storia della città di Roma nel medio evo, vol. 1/8 : $b dal secolo V al XVI
"Storia della città di Roma nel medio evo, vol. 1/8 : dal secolo V al XVI." by Ferdinando Gregorovius is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. It examines the civic life and transformation of Rome from late antiquity into the Renaissance era, focusing on the interplay of ancient municipal traditions, imperial claims, and papal supremacy. Drawing on original documents, monuments, and topography, it offers a comprehensive portrait of Rome’s politics, society, religion, and urban fabric across the medieval centuries. The opening of the work introduces the editor’s note on the first Italian translation, acknowledging the author’s corrections and the care taken in printing, followed by the author’s preface outlining the aim: to fill the gap in Rome’s medieval civic history. Gregorovius stakes out his central thesis of three enduring “rights” shaping Rome—republican municipalism, imperial monarchy, and papal dominion—sets the scope from the Visigothic sack to the Sack under Clement VII, and explains his method of uniting archival research with the study of ruins and monuments, while noting the deep German–Italian historical ties. He then frames Rome’s uniqueness by contrasting it with Jerusalem and Athenian civilization, tracing the passage from imperial centralization to the Church’s universal authority and the medieval reverence for Rome as spiritual, political, and cultural center. Finally, he begins a topographical survey of late imperial Rome—its walls, gates, roads, aqueducts, and especially the fourteen regions—moving region by region from the Porta Capena through the Caelian and Colosseum districts, along the Via Sacra and imperial fora, across the Esquiline and Quirinal with the great baths, and into the Forum Romanum and Capitoline, which he presents as the stage for the story to follow.