Subject
Italy -- History -- 1492-1559 Books
Best books
Frederick Rolfe
Chronicles of the house of Borgia
"Chronicles of the house of Borgia" by Frederick Rolfe is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It reassesses the Borgia dynasty within the tumultuous world of the Italian Renaissance and papal power, challenging lurid legends and arguing from close scrutiny of sources as it traces the family’s rise from Spain to Rome, especially under Popes Calixtus III and Alexander VI. The opening of the book sets out Rolfe’s stance: great houses rise and fall swiftly, the Borgias have been used as a canvas for exaggeration, and many chroniclers are biased, so the narrative will weigh testimony and strip away calumny. The story then begins in 1455, amid the shock of Constantinople’s fall and the influx of Greek learning into Italy, contrasting Nicholas V’s cultural flowering with Rome’s alarm at the Turkish threat. Rolfe details the conclave after Nicholas’s death: factions led by Colonna and Orsini, the near-choice of Bessarion, and the compromise election of the Spanish canonist Alonso de Borja as Calixtus III. A concise genealogy introduces the Borja roots in Valencia, explains contemporary norms about legitimacy, and sketches Alonso’s service to King Alfonso of Aragon and his diplomatic skill in ending schisms. The narrative dramatizes Calixtus’s coronation and the Orsini-led riot at the Lateran, then portrays him as austere, legally minded, and focused on a crusade rather than arts—refuting the tale that he dispersed the Vatican library and illustrating his patronage through the Lorenzo Valla episode. It closes with his firm handling of Emperor Frederick’s envoys and his public vow to wage relentless war against the Turks.
Ferdinand Gregorovius
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.
Pasquale Villari
Niccolò Machiavelli e i suoi tempi, vol. I
"Niccolò Machiavelli e i suoi tempi, vol. I" by Pasquale Villari is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work offers a detailed exploration of Machiavelli's life, the political context of his time, and the evolution of his ideas, drawing upon newly available historical documents. It seeks to shed light on the complexities surrounding Machiavelli's character, his writings, and the historical events that influenced his thoughts and political theories. At the start of the volume, Villari introduces the contentious legacy of Machiavelli, who is often seen as either a promoter of tyranny or a defender of Republican values. The introduction discusses the long-standing debates regarding his character, reflecting the conflicting interpretations of his works over the years. Villari emphasizes the historical and cultural setting of the Renaissance in Italy, explaining the societal shifts and political turbulence that shaped both Machiavelli's life and his contributions to political thought. He aims to present a balanced view of Machiavelli, neither as an apologist nor as a critic, but as a complex figure deeply influenced by the tumultuous times in which he lived.
Ferdinand Gregorovius
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.
Pasquale Villari
Niccolò Machiavelli e i suoi tempi, vol. II
"Niccolò Machiavelli e i suoi tempi, vol. II" by Pasquale Villari is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and times of the renowned political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, exploring the cultural and political milieu of Renaissance Italy. Villari examines the interplay between the chaotic political events of the time and the flourishing of arts and literature, as he weaves together insights into key historical figures and movements that shaped Machiavelli's thought. At the start of the volume, the narrative sets the stage by discussing the significance of Pope Julius II's reign and the concurrent blossoming of the arts, which includes luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raffaello. Villari illustrates how this period was marked by both political turbulence and artistic innovation, highlighting the relationship between the events that inspired Machiavelli’s writings and the broader cultural renaissance. The text contrasts the tragic consequences of political strife with the vibrant resurgence of artistic expression, thus providing a backdrop for understanding Machiavelli's theories in the context of the historical and cultural currents of his era.
W. R. de Villa-Urrutia
Lucrecia Borja: Estudio Histórico
"Lucrecia Borja: Estudio Histórico" by W. R. de Villa-Urrutia is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The work examines the life and legacy of Lucrecia Borgia, a controversial figure from the Renaissance period, revealing various opinions surrounding her reputation as both a powerful woman and a purported sinner. The book appears to engage with the historical perspectives that have shaped her image, providing context about her family and political environment. The opening of the text sets the stage for this exploration by discussing the efforts of modern historians to reassess Lucrecia Borgia's life, particularly in light of past negative portrayals. It contrasts their attempts to elevate her status against the historical accounts and popular legends that have historically painted her in a scandalous light. The author reflects on how various scholars have contributed to the rehabilitation of her image, including an analysis of the social and familial dynamics that influenced her role within the notorious Borgia family. Through this introduction, Villa-Urrutia aims to provide readers with a more nuanced understanding of Lucrecia Borja's legacy, moving beyond the simplistic labels assigned to her in history.
Pasquale Villari
Niccolò Machiavelli e i suoi tempi, vol. III
"Niccolò Machiavelli e i suoi tempi, vol. III" by Pasquale Villari is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and political context surrounding Niccolò Machiavelli, detailing events and figures from his time to provide a comprehensive understanding of his influence and legacy. Through Villari’s analysis, readers are likely to encounter discussions about key political dynamics in Renaissance Italy and the complexities of Machiavelli’s thoughts. At the start of the volume, the author provides an overview of the period leading up to Machiavelli’s political activity, with a focus on Pope Leo X and the dynamics of his court. Villari examines the expectations and reputation surrounding Leo X, contrasting his image of benevolence and artistic patronage with his crafty political maneuvers and ambition for power. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how these elements intertwine with Machiavelli's writings and theories, establishing a broad historical framework within which Machiavelli's ideas can be understood.
Marino Sanudo
La spedizione di Carlo VIII in Italia
"La spedizione di Carlo VIII in Italia" by Marino Sanudo is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The work outlines the significant military campaign led by Charles VIII of France during his attempt to reclaim the Kingdom of Naples, a venture marked by intrigue, diplomacy, and conflict between European powers. It provides insights into the political landscape of Italy at the time and the motives driving Charles’s expedition. The opening of this historical chronicle sets the stage by introducing key elements of the narrative, including the contexts leading up to Charles VIII's campaign, such as his ascension to the throne, marriage alliances, and territorial ambitions. It discusses the political dynamics in Italy with mentions of prominent figures like Ludovico Sforza and Ferdinando of Aragon, and highlights early preparations for the expedition that would shape Italy’s future. Through detailed descriptions and references to events, Sanudo establishes a comprehensive backdrop for the unfolding military endeavors and the complex interactions among the various state actors involved.
Arthur Gobineau
La fleur d'or
"La Fleur d'Or" by Arthur de Gobineau is a historical narrative likely written in the early 20th century. The work delves into significant episodes in history, focusing initially on the figure of Girolamo Savonarola and his influence during the Renaissance period, exploring themes of morality, power, and the intricacies of societal change. The opening of the book presents a vivid portrayal of the complex interplay between humanity and the natural world, drawing analogies between the historical transformations of societies and the idea of creation and destruction mirrored in nature. It begins with reflections on the perception of the sea as both a sterile barrier and a source of life, leading to deeper explorations of historical epochs, culminating in the character of Savonarola, who fervently sought to reform Italy through a return to moral and spiritual values. This rich tapestry of ideas sets the stage for a more profound examination of the Renaissance's cultural and political dynamics, as Gobineau introduces these central themes and characters that will define the narrative's trajectory.
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