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This is the Book of the Courtier by Baldassare Castiglione
It was originally written in an Italian dialect
Castiglione started writing it in 1508 and it was published
in 1528. It tells of the characteristics of the perfect courtier and the perfect
lady.
The books is arrange in a sequence of fictitious conversations between the courtiers in the
court at the Duke of Urbino.
Francois the first of France read it and distributed copies among the men of his court and aimed
to create a court like the one depicted in the book.
The ideal courtier, in Castiglione's words,
was one who had many skills in music, arts, athletics
and education; executing them without showing off.
The ideal lady was not to speak words of dishonesty, to be heedful in her talk
and to not offend.
She should be kind,
beautiful, graceful and offer balance to men