The Book of the Courtier

Excellent price. OK translation

a clasic

Castiglione provides a fascinating insight into the Mores And social issues of his day.

To be honest, I thought this book would be more about court life, and less about the actual traits of a courtier. Much of what was in this book was not what I was expecting; kind of like expecting a class to teach about courtroom procedures and how to best use them, but then being told all about how to present oneself in court. Of course, looking good, having a nice voice, being of good breeding, knowing how to dress, maybe play music, and education are helpful, but not in this book when one knows those traits are helpful wherever you go. If this was the book on what went on in the courts, and knowing how the condottiere ran the battlefields, no wonder every nation could invade the Italian peninsula!

For one, the most startling flaw is they misspell his name on the title! It's Baldassare, not Baldesar or Baldasar (which they misspell again, but differently, in the copyright info). Also, the print quality of the cover is pretty poor and very pixilated which makes it seem like it is a second-rate publication job. Makes me overall suspicious about how good the translation is.

An excellent peak at customs and rituals in the court. I bought the original translation but was very difficult to read as the language was from the epoch. This translations gives you a better understanding. Highly recommended.

Daughter needed for school. Great condition.

This seems to have inspired Baltasar Gracian's work in the "Pocket Oracle" . GRACIAN is far more to the point, whereas Castiglione makes a great story

A good guide to way of life .