The fifteen articles republished here exemplify the many directions Robert Black's research in Renaissance studies has taken. The first five studies look at Renaissance humanism, in particular at its origins, and the concept of the Renaissance as well as the theory and practice of historical writing. Black also updates his monograph on the Florentine chancellor, Benedetto Accolti. Machiavelli is the subject of three articles, focusing on his education and career in the Florentine chancery. Next come Black's seminal studies of Arezzo under Florentine rule, revealing the triangular relationship between centre, periphery and the Medici family. Finally, two articles on political thought examine the relative merits of monarchical and republican government for political thinkers on both sides of the Alps.
Includes articles that represents the many directions that Robert Black's research has taken during his academic career. This title discusses Renaissance Humanism and, in particular, at the work of the Aretine humanist and lawyer, Benedetto Accolti (1415-1464), who served as first chancellor of Florence during the last six years of his life.
