Francesco Saverio QuadrioItalian writer and historian.
Country: Italy
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Content:
- Early Life
- Joining the Jesuits
- Patronage of Pope Benedict XIV
- Encounter with Voltaire
- Years in Milan
- Major Works
- Additional Contributions
Early Life
Born into a humble family in Venice, Italy, this Italian writer and historian embarked on a path that would forever shape the literary and intellectual landscape of the 18th century.
Joining the Jesuits
At the tender age of 15, he joined the prestigious Order of Jesuits in Venice. For over a decade, he dedicated himself to teaching at Jesuit schools, honing his intellectual prowess and laying the foundation for his future literary endeavors.
Patronage of Pope Benedict XIV
His exceptional abilities caught the attention of Pope Benedict XIV, who extended his patronage to the young scholar. This patronage provided him with invaluable opportunities and support that would fuel his literary career.
Encounter with Voltaire
In 1745, he embarked on a journey to Paris, where he had the opportunity to meet the renowned philosopher and writer Voltaire. This encounter sparked a lifelong intellectual dialogue that influenced his writing and worldview.
Years in Milan
From 1751 to 1754, he served as the librarian to Count G. L. Pallavicini in Milan. This period proved to be a fertile time for his writing, allowing him to delve into a wide range of literary and historical topics.
Major Works
- "Spiritual Poems of Dante" (1733):An apocryphal collection of poems attributed to the legendary Italian poet.
- "On Italian Poetry" (1734):Published under the pseudonym G. M. Andrucci, this treatise explored the intricacies of Italian poetry.
- "On the History and Meaning of All Poetry" (1739-1752):A monumental seven-volume work that established his reputation as a leading literary and historical scholar.
Additional Contributions
Beyond his major works, the Italian writer and historian also produced a substantial body of poems and historical writings. His contributions to literature were multifaceted and left an enduring mark on the Italian intellectual tradition.