# The Book of the Courtier

By Baldassarre Castiglione, conte.

"The Book of the Courtier" by conte Baldassarre Castiglione is a philosophical dialogue composed between 1508 and 1528. Set over four evenings at the Renaissance court of Urbino, the work presents courtiers debating what makes an ideal gentleman worthy of serving a prince. They discuss noble rank, physical prowess, artistic knowledge, proper speech, and the mysterious quality of *sprezzatura*—a studied nonchalance that conceals effort. The book also explores humor, love, and the nature of the perfect court lady, creating a portrait of a vanishing world. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Translator: Leonard Eckstein Opdycke
- Subjects: Courtesy -- Early works to 1800; Courts and courtiers -- Early works to 1800

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From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.