Dialogues, Volume 3: Aegidius and Asinus

Giovanni Gioviano Pontano (1429–1503) was a courtier, official, and diplomat who served five kings of Naples. He also gained fame as a scholar, prose author, and poet. His Dialogues, reflecting his diverse interests, depict the contemporary gatherings of Pontano and his friends in the humanist academy. This volume completes the I Tatti edition and features Aegidius and Asinus, the first translation into English.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 25 September 2020
\n Publisher: Harvard University Press
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Giovanni Gioviano Pontano, a remarkable figure from the 15th century, left an indelible mark on the world as a courtier, official, diplomat, and scholar. His diverse talents and interests led him to achieve even greater fame as a prose author and poet. Among his notable works is his collection of dialogues, known as "Dialogues," which vividly capture his diverse interests in religion, philosophy, literature, and everyday life in fifteenth-century Naples. These dialogues are particularly significant for their portrayal of Pontano's interactions with his friends at the humanist academy, where he served as the esteemed president from around 1471 until shortly before his passing.

This comprehensive volume, published as part of the I Tatti edition, brings together Pontano's five surviving dialogues. It includes the captivating "Aegidius," named after the Augustinian theologian Giles of Viterbo, which delves into a wide range of topics such as creation, dreams, free will, soul immortality, the relationship between heaven and earth, language, astrology, and mysticism. On the other hand, "Asinus" is a unique and fantastical autobiographical comedy in which Pontano himself is portrayed as having gone mad and fallen in love with an ass. This translation marks the first time these dialogues have been brought to the English-speaking audience, allowing a broader audience to appreciate Pontano's profound insights and witty humor.

Giovanni Gioviano Pontano's legacy as a multifaceted individual continues to inspire and intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike. His contributions to literature, philosophy, and diplomacy have left an enduring impact on the world, and his dialogues serve as a valuable window into the intellectual and social milieu of fifteenth-century Italy. Through his writings, Pontano not only entertained but also challenged his readers to think critically and explore the depths of human existence.

In conclusion, Giovanni Gioviano Pontano's "Dialogues" are a testament to his remarkable talent and intellectual prowess. These dialogues provide a captivating glimpse into the mind of a Renaissance polymath and offer valuable insights into the cultural, philosophical, and social landscape of fifteenth-century Naples. By translating these dialogues into English, we are able to appreciate Pontano's brilliance and his enduring contribution to the world of literature and thought.

\n Weight: 378g\n
Dimension: 141 x 210 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780674248465\n \n