CONTENTS
OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.
FIRST BOOK.
FLORENCE AND THE MEDICI TO THE DEATH OF COSIMO THE ELDER.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| THE HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI. DEVELOPMENTOF THE FLORENTINE DEMOCRACY. | |
| PAGE | |
| The House of Medici—Original Dwelling-places—The first Appearance of theMedici—Commencement of the Florentine Community—The Communityand the Imperial Power—Ghibellines and Guelfs—Consuls and Podestà—Governmentby a Citizen Guard—Captain of the People—FlourishingState of the Town in the Thirteenth Century—Party Factions in the LastDays of the Hohenstaufen—Decisive Victory over the Guelfs after KingManfred’s Death—Internal Condition—Foreign Viceroys—Growth of theClass of Citizens after the Middle of the Thirteenth Century—Beginningsof the Guild System—The Seven Great Societies—Government and Magistracyof the Priors—Democratic Reform of Giano della Bella—Limitationof the Citizens’ Share in the Government—The Ordinances of Justiceagainst the Nobility—The Signory, or Upper Governing Department, andthe Councillors—Exercise of the Municipal Franchise—Parliament—VainEndeavours for Equality of Power among the Public Authorities | [3] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY. RULE OF THE ALBIZZI. GIOVANNIAND AVERARDO DE’ MEDICI. | |
| Origin and Arms of the Medici—Public Affairs in the First Half of the FourteenthCentury—Mistakes at Home and Misfortunes Abroad—The Duke ofAthens—Party Politics—Guelf Magistracy—Expulsion of the Proscribed(Ammoniti)—Salvestro de’ Medici—Rebellion of the Lower Classes (Tumultode’ Ciompi)—Averardo de’ Medici, called Bicci—Great Authority ofthe Albizzi Family and their Friends—Giovanni de’ Medici, son of Averardo—Florenceunder the Rule of the Albizzi—Campaign against theVisconti—Plunder of Pisa—The State of Finance in Florence—Wealthand Activity of John de’ Medici—Florence and Filippo Maria Visconti—InternalCondition during the War against Milan—Rinaldo degli Albizzi—Positionof the great with regard to the smaller Citizens—Public Troubles—TheEstimo and Loans—Increase and Inequality of the Taxes—TheCadaster, its Framework, Operations, and Product Position of Giovannide’ Medici with regard to the Cadaster—Death of Giovanni de’ Medici—Opinionsabout him | [20] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| THE CITY OF FLORENCE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE FIFTEENTHCENTURY. | |
| Situation and Origin of Florence—Roman Times and the Early Part of theMiddle Ages—Florence before and in the Time of Dante—Architecture inthe Thirteenth Century—Towers—Rubacon Bridge—Churches—Sta.Maria Novella and Sta. Croce—Enlargement of the Town and Third Wall—Arnolfodi Cambio, called di Lapo—St. Maria del Fiore and Palace ofthe Signoria—Churches, Hospitals, Castles in the Province—Building ofPalaces and Houses—Style of the Churches—Tuscan Gothic—Cimabueand Giotto—Giotto and the Cathedral—Belfry of the Cathedral—TaddeoGaddi—The Hall of Or San Michele—Enlargement of the Palace of thePodestà—Architecture of the Middle of the Fourteenth Century—ReligiousInstitutions—St. Anne’s Chapel in Or San Michele—New Church-building—Societyof Artists—Hall of the Signory (Loggia de Lanzi)—FamilyResidences—Sculpture—Andrea Pisano and his School—Painting—Andreadi Cione, called Arcagna—Hospitals and Monuments—FilippoBrunelleschi—Church of Sta. Maria del Fiore—The Foundling Hospital(Innocenti)—San Lorenzo—Sto. Spirito—Other Works of Brunelleschi—DwellingHouses—Streets and Pavements—Sculpture of the FifteenthCentury—Ghiberti and Donatello—Painting—Fra Angelico of Fiesole andMasaccio—General Appearance of the Town—The Environs—FortifiedVillas and Monasteries | [38] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND LIFE. | |
| The great Guilds and their Position—Guild of Woollen-weavers (Arte dellaLana)—Guild of Cloth Merchants (Catimala)—Guild of Silk-weavers (Artedella Seta)—Guild of Money-changers (Cambia)—Tuscan Money-changersAbroad—Positions of Money-changers in France and England—Bankruptcyof the large Banks—Financial Distress at Home—Revival of Commerce inthe Beginning of the Fifteenth Century—Customs of the Money Exchange—GeneralFeeling of the Citizen Class—Regulations for the Beautifyingand Security of the Town—Character of the Populace—Habits andCustoms in the Fourteenth Century—Popular and Church Festivals—St.John’s Day—Merry-making and Pastimes of the People—The Florentinesin the Beginning of the Fifteenth Century | [67] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| THE ALBIZZI AND COSIMO DE’ MEDICI. | |
| Cosimo de’ Medici in his Youth—Countess of Bardi and her Family—TheMedici and Pope John XXIII.—Death of John XXIII. in Florence—PublicActs of Cosimo de’ Medici—The Position of Cosimo towards theParty of Albizzi—The Albizzi in the Fourteenth Century—Piero degliAlbizzi and the Magistracy of the Guelf Party—The Tumult of the Ciompi,Exile of the Albizzi—Authority of Maso degli Albizzi—Rinaldo degliAlbizzi—Niccolo da Uzzano—Palla Strozzi and his Family—FlourishingCondition of the Town and Commonwealth—War against Lucca—Relationof Rinaldo to Cosimo de’ Medici—Proceedings of the Oligarchy againstCosimo—Cosimo’s Capture—Cosimo’s Banishment—Unsettled State ofThings—Rinaldo’s Appeal to Arms—Cosimo is called back, and returns—Exileof the Albizzi—Cosimo’s Gonfaloniership—Review of the AlbizziRule—Florentine Order and its Formation—The Subjection of the smallerCommunes—Conditions of this Subjection—Statutes—Acquisition ofPistoja, Volterra, Prato, and Arezzo—The Accomandigia | [86] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| SUPREMACY OF COSIMO DE’ MEDICI TO THE REFORM OF LUCCA PITTI. | |
| Pope Eugene in Florence—Political Positions on Cosimo’s return Home—Antecedentsof the Medici Party—Lucca Pitti—Neri Capponi—TheAcciaiuoli—Agnolo and Donate Acciaiuoli—Diotisalvi Neroni—The Giugniand other Friends of the Medici, the Pandolfini, Salviati, Guicciardini—Cosimo’sParty-management—Restriction of free Voting by the Practice ofNominating to the Magistracy—Abrogation of the Law against the Nobles—Relationstowards his Opponents—Palla Strozzi—Troubled Lot ofRinaldo degli Albizzi and his Family—Cosimo’s Attitude towards his ownParty—Neri Capponi—Baldaccio d’Anghiari—Disunion in the DominantParty—Termination of Extra-legal Authority—Re-introduction of theSelection of Magistrates by Vote—The Formation of the Cadaster—ProgressiveScale—Taxation in the Hands of the Medici—Revision of theCadaster in 1458—Discontent of powerful Burghers of the Medici Party—LucaPitti, Gonfalonier—Change in the Government—New Commissionfor the Choice of Magistrates and for Taxation—Weakening of Cosimo’sAuthority—Violence of his Adherents | [114] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| FOREIGN AFFAIRS. PEACE AND WAR. COUNCIL OF UNION. | |
| War with Milan and Naples—Filippo Maria Visconti and Alfonso of Naples—Endof the Visconti—Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan—Relations ofSforza with Florence and Cosimo de’ Medici—Alliance of Venice andNaples against Florence—War in the Valley of Chiana and in theMaremma—Peace of Lodi—The Sack of Constantinople—Triumph of theHouse of Aragon in Naples—Pope Eugene IV.—Contest of the Holy Seewith the Council of Basle—Council of Union at Florence—Reunion of theChurches of the East and West—Sojourn of Pope Eugenius IV. in Florence—Consecrationof the Cathedral and of the Church of Sta. Croce—TheEugenius College—Political Complications—René of Anjou in Florence—Returnof the Pope to Rome—Pope Pius II. in Florence—Death of ArchbishopSt. Antonine—Charlotte of Lusignan in Florence | [139] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| LAST DAYS OF COSIMO DE MEDICI. | |
| Cosimo in Advanced Age—Death of his Brother Lorenzo—His sons Piero andGiovanni—Piero’s Marriage to Lucrezia Tornabuoni—Death of Giovanni—Piero’sChildren—Cosimo’s Manner of Life—Cosimo’s Disposition andCharacter—Cosimo in Outward Demeanour and in Business—Cosimo’sEcclesiastical Edifices—Churches and Monasteries, Palace and Villas—Buildingsand Foundations Abroad—Cosimo’s Last Days at Careggi Villa—Piero’sLetter to his Sons—Death of Cosimo—Marsilio Ficino on Cosimo—Cosimode’ Medici the Father of his Country | [153] |
SECOND BOOK.
PIERO DE’ MEDICI. FIRST YEARS OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| PIERO DE’ MEDICI, HIS RELATIONS AND FRIENDS. | |
| Piero de’ Medici and his Family—Lucrezia Tornabuoni de’ Medici—Lorenzode’ Medici—Lorenzo’s Education—Gentile de’ Becchi of Urbino—HisYouthful Years and Dispositions—Giuliano de’ Medici—Bianca de’ MediciPazzi—The Family of Pazzi—Andrea, Piero, Jacopo de’ Pazzi and theirRelatives—Nannina de’ Medici Rucellai—The Rucellai—Giovanni and hisSon Bernardo—The Soderini—Lorenzo Soderini and his Sons Niccolò andTommaso | [167] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| LORENZO’S YOUTH. CONSPIRACY OF DIOTISALVI NERONI ANDHIS COMPANIONS. | |
| Meeting of Lorenzo de’ Medici with Federigo d’Aragona, younger Son of KingFerrante of Naples—Florence in relation to the Aragonese and to Sforza—Lorenzoin Upper Italy—The Pulci—Luigi Pulci—Lorenzo in Rome—PopePaul II.—Death of Francesco Sforza—Piero de’ Medici and the Houseof Sforza—Galeazzo Maria, Duke of Milan—The Medici Party after theDeath of Cosimo—Piero de’ Medici and Diotisalvi Neroni—Diotisalvi’sDesigns against the Medici—His connection with Niccolò Soderini andLuca Pitti—Agnolo Acciaiuoli—The Causes of Discord—Niccolò Soderinias Gonfalonier—Neglected Opportunities of Trade—Fruitless Attempt atCompensation—Conspiracy against the Medici—Lorenzo with King Ferrantein Naples—Preparations on both Sides—The Villa of Careggi—Piero’sIllness there—Lorenzo’s Presence of Mind at an Attempt on hisFather’s Life—The Medici in the City—Both Factions appeal to Arms—Indecisionof the Leaders—Negotiations and Defection—Luca Pitti andthe Medici—Failure of the Conspiracy and Banishment of its Leaders—Endof Luca Pitti | [179] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| FOREIGN AFFAIRS. FRANCE, VENICE, THE ROMAGNA. THE WAROF COLLEONE. | |
| The Medici after the Neroni Conspiracy—King Ferrante to Lorenzo—LouisXI. of France and the Medici—The Florentine Exiles and Venice—TheRelations of Venice with Florence—Bartolommeo Colleone—Colleone andthe exiled Florentines—State of the Romagna—The Popes and theDynasties—Relations of the Romagna with Venice and Florence—TheRaccomandati of the Romagna—The Este Counts of Montefeltro andUrbino—The Malatesta of Rimini—The Ordelaffi of Forli—The Manfredi,Alidosi, Sforza of Pesaro—Bologna and the Bentivogli—Sante and GiovanniBentivoglio.—Relations with Florence and the Papacy—Preparationsof the Allies against Colleone—Colleone in the Romagna.—Battle at LaMolinella—Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Venice—Ineffective Meeting of theAllies—Miserable Condition of the Army—Close of the War—Pope PaulII.—End of Colleone and the Florentine Exiles—Attack on Lucrezia de’Medici | [197] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| LATTER DAYS OF PIERO DE’ MEDICI. LORENZO’S MARRIAGE. | |
| Battle near Rimini—Robert Malatesta—Finances of Florence—Purchaseof Sarzano—Gay Life amid Financial Difficulties—Position and Life ofLorenzo de’ Medici—Lucrezia Donati—Lorenzo’s Tournament—Lorenzo’sEngagement—Clarice Orsini and her Relations—Lucrezia de’ Medici inRome—Intelligence of Clarice Orsini—Conclusion of the Engagement,and Marriage Ceremony in Rome—Marriage Festival in Florence—Lorenzo’sJourney to Milan to the Christening of Gian Galeazzo Sforza—Deathof Piero de’ Medici, and his Character—Piero’s Relation to hisParty and to the Exiles—King Ferrante and Piero de’ Medici | [222] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| EVENTS AT HOME AND ABROAD DURING THE FIRST YEARS OFLORENZO’S SUPREMACY. | |
| Nature and Form of the Medici Rule—The Heads of the Medici Party afterPiero’s death—Tommaso Soderini—Council in St. Antonio—Accession ofthe Sons of Piero de’ Medici to the Position of their Father and Grand-father—Positionof Lorenzo before the Party—Appointment of the CivicOfficers—The Electors—Lorenzo assumes the Direction of Affairs—ForeignAffairs—Pope Paul II. and Naples—Alliance between Florence,Naples, and Milan—General Alliance against the Osmanli—Death of PopePaul II | [244] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| POSITION AND RELATIONS OF THE MEDICI. | |
| Splendour of the Medici Family—Their Position at Home and their ConnectionsAbroad—The Royal Family of Naples—Ippolita Maria, Duchess ofCalabria—The Queen of Bosnia—Luigi Pulci in relation to the Medici—Pulci’sJourneys and Missions—Camerino and Naples—UnfortunateAttack against Piombino—Galeazzo Maria Sforza and his Wife, Bona ofSavoy, in Florence—Visit of King Christian of Denmark—Giovanni Bentivoglioin relation to the Medici—Proceedings of King Louis XI. andLorenzo concerning King Ferrante of Naples—The Relation of Lorenzotowards his Fellow Citizens—His Manner of Life, Residence in theCountry, and Travels—Madonna Clarice in Umbria and Rome—Visit toZoe Palæologa—Lucrezia de’ Medici in Bagno a Morba—The Death ofMadonna Contessina | [255] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| LORENZO DE’ MEDICI IN ROME. PRATO AND VOLTERRA. | |
| Accession of Sixtus IV. to the Papal Chair—Congratulatory Embassy fromFlorence—Lorenzo accompanies it—Disposition of the new Pope—AttemptedInsurrection in Prato—Bernardo Nardi—Connection of Volterrawith Florence—Alum Pits of Volterra—Dispute about Leasing the Alum—Interventionof Florence—Tumult in Volterra—Various Views in Florence—Triumphof the Reigning Faction—Expedition against Volterra—ItsCapture and Sack—Volterra and Florence—Misery of the Volterraneans | [274] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| POPE SIXTUS IV., KING FERRANTE, AND THE MEDICI. | |
| Feelings of Sixtus IV. towards the Medici—Plan for obtaining the Cardinalatefor Giuliano—Cardinal Pietro Riario, Archbishop of Florence—Eleanor ofAragon Este in Florence—Arrival of Cardinal-Archbishop Riario—Beginningof the Misunderstanding between Sixtus and the Medici—DynasticAmbition of the Pope—Girolamo Riario, Lord of Imola—Affairs of theCity of Castello—The Vitelli—Niccolò Vitelli in Contention with thePope—Florence supports the Vitelli—Displeasure of Sixtus at the Policyof Florence—Federigo of Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, won by the Pope—KingFerrante in the Conflict with Venice and the Pope—Complicationsin the East—Alliance of Florence with Milan and Venice—Alliance ofSixtus IV. with Naples—Uncertain Policy—Second Marriage of KingFerrante | [284] |
| CHAPTER IX. | |
| MILAN, GENOA, AND SIENA. | |
| Cheerful Life in Florence—Tournament of Giuliano de’ Medici—Death ofGaleazzo Maria Sforza—Exertions of Florence on behalf of theDuchess Bona—Roberto da Sanseverino—Parties in Milan—The BrothersSforza—Disturbances in Genoa—Relations of Genoa with France andMilan—Revolt of the Genoese against the Domination of Milan, and itsSuppression—Intrigues of the Brothers Sforza against the Duchess-Regent,and their Banishment—Rupture between the Pope and Lorenzo—FrancescoSalviati, Archbishop of Pisa—Causes of the Animositybetween Lorenzo and the Archbishop—Carlo Fortebraccio ofMontone opposed to Siena—Equivocal Conduct of the Florentines—ThePope and Naples in Favour of Siena—Retreat of Carlo Fortebraccio—TroubledRelations between the Pope, Siena, and Florence | [298] |
THIRD BOOK.
CONSPIRACY OF THE PAZZI. WAR WITH ROME AND NAPLES.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| PAZZI CONSPIRACY. | |
| State of Affairs at Home and Abroad—Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Pazzi—Causesof Enmity—Attitude of Sixtus IV. and Girolamo Riario towardsthe Medici—The Plot against the Medici—Girolamo Riario, Francescode’ Pazzi, and Francesco Salviati—Preparations for the Enterprise—Invitationto Lorenzo to visit Rome—Consultations in Rome—GiovanniBatista da Montesecco—Meeting of the Conspirators—The Conspiratorsand the Papacy—Francesco de’ Pazzi and Montesecco in Florence—Agreementwith Jacopo de’ Pazzi—Francesco Salviati and Cardinal RaffaelRiario—The other Participators in the Plot—The 26th April, 1478—Attemptin the Cathedral—Death of Giuliano—Rescue of Lorenzo—TheArchbishop of Pisa in the Palace of the Signory—Conflict aroundthe Palace—Deeds of Blood in the Palace and in the Streets—Executionsand Murder—Lorenzo’s Address to the People—Legal Measures againstthe Pazzi—The Funeral of Giuliano de’ Medici—His Son Giulio | [313] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| ALLIANCES AND COUNTER-ALLIANCES. PREPARATIONS FORTHE CONFLICT. | |
| Dangerous Position and Measures of Precaution—Donato Acciaiuoli in Rome—TheFlorentines and the Papacy—Demands of Sixtus IV.—Florentinesin the Castle of St. Angelo—Cardinal Riario in Florence—His Returnto Rome—Bull of Excommunication against Lorenzo de’ Medici—KingFerrante and Lorenzo—Relations of the King with Florence and Siena—ThePapacy and Bologna—Sixtus IV.’s Observations on the Eventsat Florence—The Republic of Venice and the Florentines—Representationsof Venice to the Papacy—King Louis XI. and his Relation toFlorence and the Papacy—Naples and Burgundy—Mission of Philippede Commines, Lord of Argenton—Commines in Florence and Rome—HisOpinion of the States of the Church | [337] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| CAMPAIGN OF 1478. | |
| Allies and Opponents of the Florentines—The Duke of Urbino on Lorenzode’ Medici and the Political Situation of Milan and Venice—FlorentinePreparations—The Papal and Neapolitan Forces—The Valley of theChiana—Commencement of the Campaign at Montepulciano—Brief of PopeSixtus IV. to the Florentines—Lorenzo de’ Medici before the Council—Oppositionof the Clergy to the Curia—Official Vindication of the Republic—Replyof Pope Sixtus IV. to the Florentine Document—Death of DonatoAcciaiuoli—Revolt in Genoa in the Interest of the Brothers Sforza andKing Ferrante—War in the Valley of the Chiana—Bad Condition of theFlorentine Troops—Gian Jacopo Trivulzio—Siege and Capture of Castellinain Chianti—Ercole of Este Captain-General of the Florentines—WretchedManagement of the War—Loss of Monte San Savino—UnfavourablePosition of the Florentines—Lukewarm Assistance from theAllies—Plans for the Second Campaign | [356] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| LOUIS XI. AND SIXTUS IV. SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR. | |
| Philip de Commines on the Condition of Florence—His Second Residence inFlorence and Milan—Louis XI. and Italian Affairs—French Embassy toRome—The Envoys and Sixtus IV.—The Pope’s Stipulations for Peace—Answerof the Florentines—Ineffectual Negotiations—Departure of theEnvoys from Rome—State of Affairs in Naples and the Papal Court—Disorderin Milan—Conspiracy of Roberto da Sanseverino and theBrothers Sforza against the Duchess-Regent—Seizure of Pisa—Recommencementof the Conflict in the Valley of the Chiana—War inPerugia—Discord in Florence—Enterprise of Sanseverino and LudovicoSforza against Milan—Ludovico Sforza il Moro Governor-General in Milan—Blowingup of the Florentine Head-quarters at Poggibonzi in theValley of the Elsa—Cessation of Hostilities | [371] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| FLORENCE AND HER ALLIES. LODOVICO IL MORO. | |
| Unfavourable Condition of Florence—Lorenzo’s Position—King Louis XI.and Italian Intrigues—Negotiations between King and Pope—Necessity,for Lorenzo, of an Agreement—Diplomatic Transaction with Lodovico ilMoro—Lodovico’s Character and Position—Lodovico il Moro as Governor—Lodovicoon the Condition of the Florentines—Advice for an Arrangementwith Naples—Filippo Strozzi’s Mission to Naples—Lorenzo de’Medici’s Resolve on a Journey to Naples—Departure for Pisa andBada | [386] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| LORENZO DE’ MEDICI IN NAPLES. PEACE WITH KING AND POPE. | |
| Lorenzo’s Arrival in Naples—Lorenzo and King Ferrante—Impression producedin Florence by his Decision and the Variety of Opinions—Uncertaintyin Florence and in the Romagna—Sixtus IV. and the PeaceNegotiations—Sixtus IV. on the Management of the Dispute—Lorenzo’sinsecure Position—The Dynasties of the Romagna—Diomede Carafa, Countof Maddalini—Lorenzo’s Connections in Naples—The Royal Family—TheDuchess of Calabria—Lorenzo’s Return Home—Proclamation andConditions of Peace—Insecure Relations with Sixtus IV.—Difficulties ofthe Affairs of Romagna—The Ordelaffi—Forli in Possession of GirolamoRiario—The Condition of Siena—The Duke of Calabria and the Sienese—PoliticalAgitation in Siena in Favour of the Nobility, at the Instigationof the Duke of Calabria—Conquest of Otranto by the Turks—Retirementof the Duke of Calabria from Siena—Florentine Embassy to Sixtus IV.—Reconciliationand Peace | [401] |
THE MEDICI IN RELATION TO LITERATURE AND ART.
First Part.
HUMANIST AND POPULAR LITERATURE TO THE SECOND HALF OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| BEGINNINGS OF HUMANISM. COLUCCIO SALUTATI AND POGGIOBRACCIOLINI. THE BOOK TRADE. | |
| Contrast between Mediæval Culture and Humanism—Character and Significanceof Humanism—Florentine Education—Lapo da Castiglionichioand Luigi Marsigli—The University—Greek Studies—Manuel Chrysoloras—EarlyStudy of Greek Learning in Florence—Poggio Braccioliniand his Discoveries—The Manuscript Business of the Fourteenth Century—AncientBook Trade—Copyists in the Universities and Monasteries—Scarcityof Books and their High Prices—Increase of the Trade in Manuscripts—PaperManufacture | [425] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| LEONARDO BRUNI AND THE FLORENTINE HUMANISTS. FRANCESCOFILELFO. COSIMO DE’ MEDICI. | |
| Leonardo Bruni Aretino—Ambrogio Traversari—The Camaldula Convent ofthe Angeli—Niccolò Niccoli—Niccoli’s Collection of Books—Carlo MarsuppiniAretino—Beginning of the Translation of the Iliad—GiannozzoManetti—Higher Education and the Universities—Jurisprudenceand Statute Law—Palla Strozzi and the University—Rinaldo degli Albizzi,and his Political Writings—Francesco Filelfo of Tolentino in Florence—Filelfoas Teacher and Politician—The Brothers Cosimo and Lorenzo de’Medici in the World of Letters—Their Connection with Poggio Bracciolini—Cosimoas a Collector—Ciriaco Pizzicolli of Ancona—RomanWant of Culture—Enoch of Ascoli and Antonio of Todi | [440] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| THE COUNCIL OF UNION AND PLATONISM. COSIMO DE’ MEDICI’SLATER YEARS. | |
| Pope Eugene IV. and the Papal Court in Florence—The Greeks in Florence—Gemisto’sPlethon—Origin of the Platonic Academy—Youth of MarsilioFicino—John Argyropulos—Philosophical Studies—Cristoforo LandinoSaint Antoninus Archbishop of Florence—Orlando Bonarli as Archbishop—Epistolariesand Dedications—Hermaphroditus—Literature and Life—AgnoloPandolfini—Villa Life—Franco Sachetti—Poggio Bracciolini’sCountry Life—Learned Connections of Florence with Foreign Countries—WilliamGrey, Earl of Worcester, and others—The Humanists duringthe Last Years of Cosimo de’ Medici—Erudition and the Vernacular | [457] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| LIBRARIES AND THE BOOK TRADE. VESPASIANO DA BISTICCI. | |
| Cosimo de’ Medici’s Library Establishments—San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice—Libraryof the San Marco Convent—The Niccolo Manuscripts—Libraryof the Abbey of Fiesole—Inscriptions of the Codices—The Duke of Urbinoand Vespasiano da Bisticci—The Copyists of the Fifteenth Century—TheMaterial Perfection of the Copies—Prices—Manuscripts and PrintedMatter | [472] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| LITERATURE OF THE VULGAR TONGUE. POPULAR AND SACREDPOETRY OF THE PEOPLE. | |
| The Italian Language and Literature at the Beginning of the FifteenthCentury—Fra Giovanni de’ Medici’s Book on Domestic Life—Leon BatistaAlberti and the Vulgar Tongue—Poetical Competition in the Cathedral—Corruptionof the Language in the Hands of the Learned—The VulgarTongue—Caterina of Siena Letters—Religious Sentiment among thePeople and in their Literature—Sacred Poetry of the People—The Fraternitiesand their Hymns—The Jesuits and their Poetry—Substance andMelody of the Hymns—Feo Belcari; his Poems and Prose Writings—GirolamoBenivieni—Lucrezia Tornabuoni de’ Medici as a Sacred Poetess—HistoricalWritings in the Vulgar Tongue—Gino Capponi—BuonaccorsoPitti—Jacopo Salviati—Neri Capponi—Domenico Buoninsegni—GoroDati—Giovanni Cavalcanti | [482] |
FIRST BOOK
FLORENCE AND THE MEDICI TO THE
DEATH OF COSIMO THE ELDER