Description
Galateo is a treatise on polite behavior written by Giovanni Della Casa (1503-56) for the benefit of his nephew, a young Florentine destined for greatness. In the voice of a cranky yet genial old uncle, Della Casa offers the distillation of what he has learned over a lifetime of public service as diplomat and papal nuncio. As relevant today as it was in Renaissance Italy, Galateo deals with subjects as varied as dress codes, charming conversation and off-color jokes, eating habits and hairstyles, and literary language. In its time, Galateo circulated as widely as Machiavelli's Prince and Castiglione's Book of the Courtier. Mirroring what Machiavelli did for promoting political behavior, and what Castiglione did for behavior at court, Della Casa here creates a picture of the refined man caught in a world in which embarrassment and vulgarity prevail. Less a treatise promoting courtly values or a manual of savoir faire, it is rather a meditation on conformity and the law, on perfection and rules, but also an exasperated - often theatrical-reaction to the diverse ways in which people make fools of themselves in everyday social situations.
About the Author
Giovanni Della Casa (1503-56) was a celebrated Italian writer and diplomat whose works in Latin and Italian spread across a stunning range of poetic and prose genres. M. F. Rusnak is a translator, professor, and writer. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey, and Florence, Italy.
Reviews
"Galateo holds an important place in the long and rich history of etiquette books." (Judith Martin, New York Times Book Review) "A delightful new translation." (Stephen Greenblatt, New York Review of Books) "Throughout, the book reveals a sophisticated understanding of human sensitivity, of our deep-rooted hunger for respect.... In its brevity, Galateo can almost be viewed as a kind of Renaissance Elements of Style, with the understanding that 'style' here means courteous behavior. Rusnak's introductory essay, copious notes, and bibliography usefully fill out some of the book's historical context. But the counsel itself remains timeless." (Michael Dirda, Washington Post)"
Book Information
ISBN 9780226212197
Author Giovanni Della Casa
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 198g
Dimensions(mm) 22mm * 14mm * 1mm
About the Author
Giovanni Della Casa (1503-56) was a celebrated Italian writer and diplomat whose works in Latin and Italian spread across a stunning range of poetic and prose genres. M. F. Rusnak is a translator, professor, and writer. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey, and Florence, Italy.
Reviews
"Galateo holds an important place in the long and rich history of etiquette books." (Judith Martin, New York Times Book Review) "A delightful new translation." (Stephen Greenblatt, New York Review of Books) "Throughout, the book reveals a sophisticated understanding of human sensitivity, of our deep-rooted hunger for respect.... In its brevity, Galateo can almost be viewed as a kind of Renaissance Elements of Style, with the understanding that 'style' here means courteous behavior. Rusnak's introductory essay, copious notes, and bibliography usefully fill out some of the book's historical context. But the counsel itself remains timeless." (Michael Dirda, Washington Post)"
Book Information
ISBN 9780226212197
Author Giovanni Della Casa
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 198g
Dimensions(mm) 22mm * 14mm * 1mm
