The Book of the Courtier (Penguin Classics)

Baldesar Castiglione’s volume offers readers a colorfully readable glimpse into the royal court of Urbino at the dawn of the 16th century. The Book of the Courtier contains a series of hypothetical conversations between Urbino’s lead figures, admirably recreating the atmosphere of this historical period through a narrative alive with wit, charm and rapier sharp perception. Sensitively narrated by George Bull, The Book of the Courtier captures all the refinement and vivacity of Castiglione’s original text.