The Book of the Courtier

Review of "The Book of the Courtier" by Baldesar Castiglione and translated by George Bull. Baldesar Castiglione was born in 1478, a member of an ancient aristocratic family. He received a thorough humanistic education, while acquiring a refined appreciation of art. He was essentially a courtier. He entered the service of the Duke of Urbino who entrusted him with important missions and in his leisure time participated in the literary and intellectual activities of the Court. After the death of the Duke he remained in the service of the new one and became the resident ambassador in Rome. He was deprived of a job when the Duke was expulsed. He then lived on his estates in Mantua. 1519 he returned to Rome and the Mantuan Ambassador and after further activities from his Mantuan Masters entered Papal service in 1524. From that date until his death in 1592 he was Papal Nuncio in Spain. This book signifies his major work. "Discretion and decorum, nonchalance and gracefulness," are the qualities of the complete and perfect courtier as described by Castiglione in a lively series of imaginary conversations between the real-life courtiers to the Duke of Urbino, where his speakers discuss qualities of noble behavior as well as wider questions such as the duties of a good government and the true nature of love. For example on page 130: "So let the courtier be eloquent when it suits his purpose, and when discussing affairs of state, prudent and wise; and let him be judicious enough to know how to adapt himself to the customs of the people he may be living among. Then in lesser matters let him be entertaining, and in everything sensible. But above all else he should always hold to what is good; he should be neither envious nor slanderous, and he should never seek to gain grace or favour through wicked methods or by dishonest means." This book has as much if not more useful maxims than Machiavelli's "The Prince" and has the added benefit of beautiful prose. Well done. I wish I could give it more than five stars.

I enjoy reading history, and this book gives a different and very interesting insight into the norms and practices of 600 years ago (at least of the "nobler" class). What I appreciated the most was relating "yesterday's" social and societal practices to today's. In so many ways, we can see ourselves in these would-be practitioners of the "code". And in many ways, we feel the loss of a certain gentility that was expressed in this book. Great read. Another excellent book that gets into the mind of late medieval thinkers is "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" by Baltasar Gracian.

This is a delightful way to spend a relaxing, rainy day. Just picture people breathlessly awaiting an evening of conversation about - people like themselves! Good breeding and good behavior never goes out of style; this book recognizes how important a role that played in their day to day life in the court of royals. The extensive foot notes are nearly as enjoyable as the book. A fun read that was well transcribed to the Kindle format.

Well, contemporary for Niccolo Machiavelli. But this book has enduring relevance for anyone who has to spend time among those courting the politically powerful. It would be easy to dismiss this as without current relevance, but that would be a clear indication of either naiveté about political life or intellectual laziness (or both). The book is formatted as a series of fictional or fictionalized discussions among the influential. This was a common style for non-fiction, from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century, but does feel a little odd to many modern readers.Over the course of several evenings, the topic is "What makes the perfect courtier?" That is to say, the perfect flunky in the company of the politically powerful. Many attributes an behaviors are discussed as appropriate for a courtier, and two things jumped out at me. First, that this could be a textbook for a political intern or a climber in the business world. Second, how shallow the desired traits were. Social graces, from a good family, a good dancer, a good athlete, but never a skilled planner, a thoughtful or reflective nature, and definitely not someone who will tell the boss the ugly news. There is also great deal of discussion of how to backstab with grace and style.Reading this was something of a secret and dirty pleasure; the conformation that so little in human behavior has changed in five centuries, the underhanded social techniques, the unbridled ambition of the players.If you are headed for an entry level position in the political arena, read this, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.E. M. Van Court

While the less memory gifted among us might find the coterie of individuals engaged in conversation throughout the book confusing, the Book of the Courtier does well as a handbook of sorts for aspiring gentleman.It goes beyond the Ps and Qs, it's a way of life and a method of being. It espouses Sprezzatura, an art which proposes that as men, we should conceal our gifts and abilities with practiced nonchalance- I would go so far as the call it the "casually" bedswept hair of the renaissance era.The book tends to overindulge and flesh out each of the characters involved, but you find the meat of the text in really arguments that form and create the perfect courtier- that of man comfortable amongst kings and princes, while respectful to those "beneath his class" (ironic I know).If you are interested in being above office politics, this might be the best book for you to "play the game" yet remain above it.

Great book. The audio book however that is connected with this one is not the same.

The humour in this book is absolutely brilliant and will be a treat for those of you with an appreciation for dry and sarcastic wit. Very detailed and vivid presentation of characters, time period. It's an immersive story that acts as a fun escape from modern life.

Great novel, I liked the part where the dragons came and the courtier had to slay them. Personally, I was recommend this book by a "friend" as an introduction to modern manners. I am not sure how often I will use the techniques for dragon slaying in my personal life, but at least I know that if the situation ever arises, I will be able to deal with it politely!

The book of courtier is a slow burn read. At times the text is so dry that the characters keep repeating themselves on the most pointless topics. Nevertheless, this book deserves attention as it raises some pertinent issues that are relevant even today. Don't look to finish it in haste -- this book needs to be read in a leisurely manner.

本書はルネッサンス期イタリア宮廷における紳士淑女の礼儀作法を記したもので、以後ヨーロッパ諸国の宮廷に大きな影響を及ぼした。本書はその英訳である。

Part of my missed clasical education, as afoil to the Prince. I wish I had known it when I was young Manager