Taylor and Francis

Taylor and Francis

English

'... an important new reading of Castiglione's work even as it builds upon a vast body of previous scholarship. The chapter sections fall into place like pieces of a puzzle, each elucidating a complementary aspect of The Book of the Courtier's "veiled policy". The author provides historical, political, cultural, literary, and biographical contexts that helpfully support this new interpretation of the work ... a sheer joy to read.' -Jo Ann Cavallo, Columbia University, USA; author of The World beyond Europe in the Romance Epics of Boiardo and Ariosto 'The book concludes with a thoughtful and thought-provoking chapter analyzing Castiglione's medal and impresa. Rarely can a medal have been subjected to such rigorous examination.' - Philip Attwood, Keeper of Coins and Medals, The British Museum, UK; author of Italian Medals c. 1530-1600 in British Public Collections "By adopting an allegorical approach grounded in Castiglione’s historical context to his reading of the Courtier, Albury emphasises Castiglione’s humanistic subtlety, and brings considerable and refreshing insight to the modern reader of this important work."- Zita Eva Rohr, The University of Sydney