Wit and Wisdom of the Italian Renaissance

The facetia is a collection of witty tales from the Italian Renaissance, published in English for the first time. It was popularized by Poggio Bracciolini's Liberfacetiarum and often censured for licentiousness, but most have a healthy moral or psychology to impart. It adds a new dimension to the overall picture of the Renaissance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The facetia, a delightful collection of witty tales from the Italian Renaissance, holds a unique place in the realm of literature. While witty and wise anecdotes had been cherished by the ancient Greeks and Romans in the form of apothegms, it was during the Renaissance that the facetia truly emerged as a distinct genre, gaining popularity and spreading rapidly throughout Italy and beyond the Alps. The pivotal moment in the rise of the facetia was the publication of Poggio Bracciolini's Liber facetiarum, a remarkable compilation that achieved immense success and inspired the assembly of numerous other collections.

The facetia, akin to the longer novella, is a concise narrative, ranging from a few lines to two or three pages, primarily designed to entertain and evoke laughter. Its primary objective is to provide a lighthearted respite from the more serious aspects of life. While some facetiae have faced criticism for their licentiousness, it is worth noting that most of them contain a healthy moral or a keen insight into human psychology. Moreover, the facetia, like the novella, adds a new dimension to the intricate tapestry of the Renaissance, providing a glimpse into the vibrant and multifaceted culture of the period.

This title, part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, serves as a testament to the University of California Press's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds. By utilizing print-on-demand technology, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again, ensuring that the rich heritage of intellectual discourse is preserved and shared with a broader audience. Originally published in 1964, this title remains a valuable contribution to Renaissance studies and continues to captivate readers with its timeless wit and wisdom.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520305021