Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook ...

Defines the essential virtues for those at Court. This title includes a series of imaginary conversations between the real-life courtiers to the Duke of Urbino, in which his speakers discuss qualities of noble behaviour - chiefly discretion and gracefulness - as well as questions such as the duties of a good government and the true nature of love.

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization

The Book of the Courtier (1528) is a series of fictional conversations by courtiers of the Duke of Urbino that took place in 1507, and remains a reliable and illuminating account of Renaissance court life. This translation is accompanied by detailed annotations, augmented by the editor's notes.