In 2012, the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction went to distinguished US scholar Stephen Greenblatt for his book titled “The Swerve: How the World Became Modern.” In this award-winning piece, featuring Italian humanist Poggio Bracciolini (1380-1459), Greenblatt explored the rediscovery of Lucretius’ philosophical treatise titled “On the Nature of Things.”
Whoever has any interest in the Renaissance has heard Bracciolini’s name associated with the rediscovery of many ancient texts (starting with Lucretius’) and his heated controversies with Lorenzo Valla. Bracciolini was also known for compiling a widely circulated collection of Latin jokes (mostly bawdy), which was then translated into the major vernacular languages of Europe.
A truly eclectic and versatile author, in his later years – while serving as chancellor of Florence – Poggio (as scholars affectionately tend to call Bracciolini) penned a history of that city. In doing so, he continued the work of his best friend and former chancellor Leonardo Bruni (1370-1444).
The first four books of this work are now available, in an accurate edition provided with Italian translation, thanks to Professor Paolo Ponzù Donato. The book has just been published in the Firenze University Press editorial series led by ISI Florence director Professor Stefano U. Baldassarri.
To purchase the book, CLICK HERE.