Note and acknowledgments -- Introduction -- History of Italy -- Book One: 1490-1495 -- Book Two: 1495 -- Book Three: 1495-1498 -- Book Four: 1498-1500 -- Book Five: 1500-1503 -- Book Six: 1503-1505 -- Book Seven: 1506-1508 -- Book Eight: 1508-1510 -- Book Nine: 1510-1511 -- Book Ten: 1511-1512 -- Book Eleven: 1512-1513 -- Book Twelve: 1513-1517 -- Book Thirteen: 1517-1520 -- Book Fourteen: 1521-1522 -- Book Fifteen: 1522-1525 -- Book Sixteen: 1525-1526 -- Book Seventeen: 1526 -- Book Eighteen: 1527-1528 -- Book Nineteen: 1528-1529 -- Book Twenty: 1529-1534 -- Index.
Overview: In 1537 Francesco Guicciardini, adviser and confidant to three popes, governor of several central Italian states, ambassador, administrator, military captain-and persona non grata with the ruling Medici after the siege of Florence-retired to his villa to write a history of his times. His Storia d'Italia became the classic history of Italy-both a brilliant portrayal of the Renaissance and a penetrating vision into the tragedy and comedy of human history in general. Sidney Alexander's readable translation and abridgment of Guicciardini's four-volume work earned the prestigious 1970 P.E.N. Club translation award. His perceptive introduction and notes add much to the understanding of Guicciardini's masterpiece. This is a translation of the history of Italy by the 16th century diplomat, advisor to heads of state, and military leader Guicciardini.