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Books Features

New Medieval Books: Sigismund

Sigismund: Pope Pius II

Translated by: D.P. Curtin

Dalcassian Publishing Company
ISBN: 979-8-9692-3992-1

The Latin text and English translation of a letter from the future Pope Pius II to the Duke of Austria, written in the year 1443 and focusing on how to improve oneself through learning.

Publisher’s Description:

Prior to becoming Pope Pius II, Aeneas Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, was a Italo-German politician working the Imperial circuit. He career brought him into the service of both papal legates and the ducal Hapsburg family, which then ruled Austria and Strasbourg. This composition, to Sigismund Hapsburg, was composed in 1443, when Aeneas was employed as a secretary for the Imperial chancellery. He appears to be extolling the values of education on the young duke, persuading him the teenage duke to pursue the arts and literature as a way of enriching his mind and political clout as a ruler. In coming years this relationship would boil over with Aeneas’ elevation to the Papal office and the dispute with Sigismund over episcopal appointments.

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Who is this book for?

This short book offers a text and a translation, but no introduction, so the audience will be mainly those with some knowledge of Piccolomini / Pius II and Duke Sigismund. It is also an interesting read about Renaissance ideas towards learning and eduction.

The Translator

D.P. Curtin is the main force behind The Scriptorium Project, which has translated dozens of shorter texts from most of which deal with Christianity.

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You can learn more about this book from the The Scriptorium Project website.

You can buy this book on Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

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