Subtitle: None
Author : Baldesar Castiglione 1478-1529
Publisher Penguin
Books * Great Ideas series
ISBN 9780-14102388-5
Genre: Self
help from the Renaissance – a conversation among courtiers on ideal courtier.
The discussion of a 16th Century syndicate group!
This booklet consists
of extracts from the unabridged Book of the Courtier translated by George Bull.
This edition works as a taster to the unabridged version.
Style: Witty, wise
and perceptive of the human condition.
Contents page: Book 1 , Book 2. !
This is rather
misleading since the full version translated by George Bull consists of
the original four books.
This edited
version is a depiction of the conversation over two evening rather the original
four. For example The end of this
abridged version is taken from the ending of the fourth evening .
Index: No Index - ( 5 pages double columns in the unabridged version)
Flick through eye appeal: No pictures, cartoons, diagrams,
and tables. Not sure this précis
requires it though . It is only 93 pages.
There a 10 sides of plain paper to make your
own notes and reflections.
‘Time for a breather’ stops : I would suggest take a break for reflection
after each speaker
Golden Nuggets: “ He should accompany his every act with a
certain grace and fine judgement”
“ ..practise in all things a certain nonchalance which conceals all artistry and makes whatever one says or does seem uncontrived and effortless”
“We must consider the merit of good deeds in two principal things: to choose a truly virtuous end for our intentions and to know how to find convenient and suitable means for its containment”
Topic Summary: “It is
necessary to have a master who by his teaching and precepts stirs and awakens
the moral virtues whose seed is and enclosed and buried in our souls”
War Stories: There
are some references to real war stories of these gentlemen at arms. Also good
anecdotes that have timeless appeal.
Illustration: None
Quotes:
“..everyone praises or condemns according to his own opinion, always camouflaging a vice under the name of a corresponding virtue, or a virtue of the corresponding vice. E.g. the presumptuous man will be called frank, a modest man, dull; a simple man good; a rascal, shrewd; and so on and so forth” Count Lodovico da Canossa
Short Review: This
edition could be called Book-of-the-Courtier-lite . It's a great read.
From the LinkedIn profile to
HR penchant for Job Descriptions and Person Specification the
attributes, skills and knowledge of job roles can be listed in a group exercise in a
training course.
However in this little book of
wisdom, the extended conversation of the pros and cons , the various nuanced
qualities that make for a successful courtier.( or a modern sales professional,
account manager, business developer ) are an entertaining read. They give you time to consider the balance required.
Agenda Item: Courts
of power still exist today.
They are the boardrooms, the Corporate HQs. Even in
our era of the Industrial Internet of Things the art of the modern courtier can
be enhanced through reading Castiglione’s classic.
Should wish to go straight to the full original:
The Book of the Courtier by Baldesar Castiglione is
published by Penguin Classics ISBN
978-0-14-044192-5
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