The Use and Abuse of Books: De Commodis Litterarum atque Incommodis [Paperback]

Leon Battista Alberti (Author), Renée Neu Watkins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1577660498 | ISBN-13: 978-1577660491 | Publication Date: January 1, 1999

A classic of Italian literature! Translator Renee Watkins has captured the essence of Alberti's feelings as he contemplates the plight of one who chooses a scholarly profession in Renaissance Florence. According to Alberti, the world does not reward an individual who acquires knowledge from books. Why, then, would one become a scholar, devoted to a life of books? Alberti's well-organized and engaging analysis, as unfolded by Watkins' graceful translation, immediately will capture readers' attention. Although Alberti's context is Renaissance Florence, his enlightening arguments cross boundaries of time and place, striking a chord in all who wish to gain insights into life during this important time in history.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Alberti (trans. Watkins), The Family in Renaissance Florence, Books One through Four (ISBN 9781577663355); Alberti (trans. Watkins), The Family in Renaissance Florence, Book Three: I Libri Della Famiglia (ISBN 9780881338218); Brucker, Two Memoirs of Renaissance Florence: The Diaries of Buonaccorso Pitti and Gregorio Dati (ISBN 9780881336221); and Wilcox, In Search of God and Self: Renaissance and Reformation Thought (ISBN 9780881332766).

Product Details

• Paperback: 55 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577660498
• ISBN-13: 978-1577660491
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,655,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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