Letters of Marsilio Ficino Volume 11: (Book XII)

This volume and its companions contain the first English translation of the letters written by the philosopher-priest who helped to shape the changes that we associate with the Renaissance. The letters in this eleventh volume cover the period from autumn 1492 to the spring of 1495,when they appeared in print. A twelfth volume will bring the series to completion with nine distinctive treatises which Ficino gathered into a separate volume in 1476 but later re-included in his Letters as Book II.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2020
Publisher: Shepheard-Walwyn (Publishers) Ltd

This remarkable volume, along with its companions, presents the inaugural English translation of the letters penned by the philosopher-priest who played a pivotal role in shaping the transformative changes associated with the Renaissance. Spanning from autumn 1492 to the spring of 1495, these letters were first published during this period. An Appendix also includes a few related or subsequent items. To complete the series, a twelfth volume will be released, featuring nine distinct treatises that Ficino originally compiled in a separate volume in 1476 but later re-included in his Letters as Book II. During the 1490s, Ficino dedicated himself to addressing the political upheavals in Florence, with a primary focus on fostering dialogue among individuals in the pursuit of a more constructive outlook. Numerous letters within this book serve as accompanying letters to copies of his work, "On the Sun," which delves into the multifaceted nature of the sun as a celestial body, a vital physical force, a source of inspiration, and an allegorical representation of the governing power in the universe.

Other significant letters in this collection offer valuable advice on navigating the challenges of the time, elucidating the responsibilities and privileges of the philosopher, reinforcing the significance of love, and further exploring the theme of light. We observe an increasing presence of friends in German lands, where several of Ficino's works were now being published. Additionally, he writes to friends in the French court, showcasing his extensive network and influence. Among the letters, one stands out as unusual, addressing a religious question. Ficino was compelled to intervene in an argument regarding the extent to which the Platonic philosophers of ancient times foresaw aspects of the Christian Trinity. While it would be reassuring to discover such agreement, Ficino asserts that there is none in Plato, although some later Platonists provide confirmation of Chris.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 168 x 241 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780856835193