THE PROBLEM OF COUNSEL REVISITED: MORE, CASTIGLIONE AND THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICE IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY

Princely counsel, involving the courtier's precarious engagement of the ruler's affections for the hazardous task of guiding them, constitutes the veritable heart of sixteenth-century politics. Amidst the numerous contemporary manuals on the subject, one source has been largely overlooked:...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Moreana (Angers) 2003-03, Vol.40 (153/154), p.99
Main Author: Headley, John M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
16th century
Castiglione, Baldassare (1478-1529)
European history
Italian literature
Nobility
Politics
Resignations
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Summary:Princely counsel, involving the courtier's precarious engagement of the ruler's affections for the hazardous task of guiding them, constitutes the veritable heart of sixteenth-century politics. Amidst the numerous contemporary manuals on the subject, one source has been largely overlooked: the first half of Book IV of Castiglione's Courtegiano, used here to illuminate by contrast the case of the conscience-driven counselor become councillor of a tyrant. Viewed in this context, John Guy's representation of More as "Reluctant Courtier" takes on greater depth. In More's two different processes of resignation, further light is cast upon his dilemma and the dilemma of politics in general. This article seeks thus to apply the contemporary mirror afforded by Castiglione's Courtegiano to Thomas More's political career. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0047-8105
2398-4961