Polydore Virgil Italian humanist historian Date of Birth: 01.01.1470 Country: Italy

Content:

1. Polydore Vergil
2. Literary Works
3. The History of England
4. Controversies
5. Later Years

Polydore Vergil

Early Life and Education

Polydore Vergil, an Italian humanist, was born in Urbino in 1470. He studied at the University of Bologna and served as an official in the court of Guido Ubaldo, Duke of Urbino.

Literary Works

During his time in Urbino, Vergil began his literary career. His work "Adagia" (1498), a collection of Latin proverbs, was highly regarded. His "De Inventoribus" (1499) became an authoritative encyclopedia on inventions, discoveries, and the history of the Catholic Church.

The History of England

In 1507, Vergil began writing his most famous work, "Historia Anglica" (History of England). Completed by 1513, it consisted of 26 books, published in Basel in 1534. A 27th book covering the reign of Henry VIII was added in 1555.

Controversies

Vergil's "History of England" was controversial due to its biases. However, it provided valuable insights into recent events. A contemporary epigram criticized him for this, but Edward Hall's "Chronicle of England," which drew heavily on Vergil's work, was widely popular.

Later Years

Vergil later edited and annotated the works of the 6th-century historian Gildas. He left England and died in Urbino on April 18, 1555.

History

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