Subject
Bracciolini, Poggio, 1380-1459 Books
Best books
John Wilson Ross
Tacitus and Bracciolini. The Annals Forged in the XVth Century
"Tacitus and Bracciolini. The Annals Forged in the XVth Century" by John Wilson Ross is a historical account published in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the controversial claims regarding the authorship of the "Annals" attributed to Tacitus, suggesting that they were actually written by the Florentine humanist Poggio Bracciolini during the Renaissance. Ross aims to substantiate his theory through a detailed analysis of contradictions and inconsistencies within the text, as well as the historical context surrounding its emergence. The opening of the book introduces readers to Ross's central argument that the works attributed to Tacitus may have been forged as part of a deceptive literary tradition. He outlines his investigation into the authorship of the "Annals," emphasizing the moral implications of accusing a renowned historical figure of dishonesty. Ross provides critical observations about the nature of the narrative, the chronological inconsistencies, and a lack of references to the "Annals" in historical records prior to the fifteenth century. He demonstrates that significant elements in the text contradict the established understanding of ancient Roman history and sets the stage for a methodical examination aimed at proving the work's authenticity is suspect, thus engaging readers in a compelling discourse about the nature of historical integrity and authorship.
William Shepherd
The life of Poggio Bracciolini
"The Life of Poggio Bracciolini" by William Shepherd is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This biography explores the life and contributions of Poggio Bracciolini, a pivotal figure in the Renaissance known for his role in the revival of literature and humanism. The narrative likely covers Bracciolini's education, professional career, and interactions with notable contemporaries within the context of the political and cultural landscape of 14th and 15th century Italy. At the start of the work, the author provides a preface explaining the motivation behind the biography, highlighting the inadequacies of previous accounts of Poggio's life. Shepherd mentions his preliminary research and the challenges he faced in compiling a coherent narrative. The opening chapters introduce Poggio’s birth and formative years, emphasizing his education in Florence and subsequent move to Rome, where he began his career in the Papal Chancery. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of his personal relationships, scholarly achievements, and the tumultuous historical events he navigated, including various political factions and the Western Schism.
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