The Book of the Courtier (Norton Critical Editions)

The Book of the Courtier (1528) is a series of fictional conversations by courtiers of the Duke of Urbino that takes place in 1507, while Castiglione was himself attach to the Duke.

Today the Book remains the most reliable and illuminating account of Renaissance court life and of what it took to be the Perfect Courtier and Court Lady. The Singleton translationthe most acclaimed and accurate availableis accompanied by annotations. Criticism features ten essays on The Book of the Courtier, which represent the best interpretations from the United States, Italy, and England including the backgrounds-rich essays by Amedeo Quondam and James Hankins. A Selected Bibliography, a Chronology, and an Index are included.