The Book of the Courtier Summary and Study Guide can be found on eNotes.
The Book of the Courtier is a lengthy discussion on the topic of what constitutes an ideal courtier or court lady.The book quickly became popular and was used by many to deal with issues of courtesy, self-presentation, and morals in books such as Giovanni Della Casa's Galateo.The Book of the Courtier had more than just a drama, an open-ended discussion, and an essay.It was seen as a political allegory.The small courts of the High Renaissance, which were vanishing in the Italian Wars, are evoked in a poignant way, with a tribute to the friends of Castiglione's youth.The work was published in 1528 by the Aldine Press in Venice, just before the author's death, after being composed over the course of twenty years.The English translation was written by Thomas Hoby.
The book was written at a time when Castiglione was a member of the Duke's Court and was supposed to have taken place over four nights in 1507.The nature of an ideal courtier is debated between the many characters on the basis of various qualities, such as the need for noble rank, physical prowess, modesty, and pleasant physique.Different characters give different levels of importance to different qualities.
The ideal courtier has a cool mind, a good voice, and proper bearing and gestures.The courtier is expected to have a warrior spirit, to be athletic, and have good knowledge of the humanities, Classics and fine arts.The court tries to describe the perfect gentleman of the court over the course of four evenings.They debate the nature of nobility, humor, women, and love.
The Book of the Courtier was the most widely distributed book in the 16th century, with editions printed in six languages and in twenty European centers.The English upper class's conception of English gentlemen was influenced by the 1561 English translation by Thomas Hoby.The first translation of the Courtier by Sir Thomas Hoby in 1561 was a time when Italian culture was very much in fashion.[5]
The way in which the courtier presents himself while speaking is one of the most highly discussed qualities of Castiglione's characters.According to Wayne Rebhorn, the courtier's speech and behavior is designed to make people marvel at him, to transform himself into a beautiful spectacle for others to contemplate.The success of the courtier depends on the reception he gets from the audience.This explains why the courtier's dress is important to his success.
Castiglione's characters think about how a courtier can impress his audience.The importance of delivery is the same as it is in the Classical Roman rhetoricians.In Book I, the Count states that when the courtier speaks, he must have a clear, sweet and well sounding voice that is not too effeminate or rough, as well as a calm face and a play of the eyes that will give an effect.In his analysis of Castiglione, Edoardo Saccone states that grazia is obtained through sprezzatura.
The most important rhetorical device the courtier needs is sprezzatura.In The Book of the Courtier, Peter Burke describes sprezzatura as nonchalance, carelessness, and effortless and ease.