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Francesco GuicciardiniItalian statesman
Date of Birth: 06.03.1483
Country:  Italy |
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Francesco Guicciardini
Francesco Guicciardini was an Italian statesman, historian, and author of political treatises. He was born on March 6, 1483, in Florence, Italy, and died in Arcetri on May 23, 1540.
Political Career
Guicciardini was a contemporary and friend of Machiavelli. He had a successful political career as a Florentine ambassador to Spain (1511-1514), governor of the papal territory (1516-1534), general of the papal army, political advisor to Pope Clement VII, and influential citizen of Florence after the fall of the republic in 1530.
He was a cunning and skillful administrator and a capable military leader. His brilliant mind and ability to foresee events allowed him to warn those he served of impending dangers and to avoid serious setbacks.
Historical Works
Two of Guicciardini's works are particularly well-known. The first, The History of Italy ("Storia d'Italia"), covers the history of Italy from 1492 to 1534 and was published in 1561-1564. It is written in an elevated style and often supported by the inclusion of documents.
The second, Political and Civil Considerations ("Ricordi politici e civili"), written between 1525 and 1529 and published in 1576, is notable for its insightful judgments.
Legacy
Until the second half of the 19th century, Guicciardini was primarily known as a historian. However, from 1857 onwards, unknown works discovered in family archives in Florence began to be published. These works, mainly political in content, led to his recognition as an outstanding essayist.
Guicciardini's goal was to be a scientific and objective historian, but his writings are tinged with irony and bitterness. As a political thinker, he drew all the logical conclusions from his empirical observations. While remaining a humanist who considered psychological factors, he analyzed political life as a chain of cause and effect, questioning general principles and emphasizing the importance of individual situations.
Despite his selfish motives and his primary focus on his family and Florence, Guicciardini envisioned a future for Italy long before its unification.
