Discorsi Politici di Paolo Paruta: Nei Quali si Considerano Diversi Fatti Illustri, e Memorabili di Principi, e di Republiche Antiche, e Moderne ; Divise in due Libri

Paolo Paruta

Venetia : Domenico Nicolini, 1599

Quarto. Bound in fine modern leather.  Fine binding and cover. Woodcut portrait of Paruta on title.  Dampstaining throughout, (most severe at margin of rearmost pages). Collation: [21], 636, 21 pages.  Printer's device and imprint on last page.  

Paruta was a historian and statesman of the Venetian Republic. "His "Discorsi politici" were not published till after his death. The first book treats of the greatness and decadence of the Romans; the second of modern governments, especially Venice, being really an apology for the latter's policy. Though Paruta is an independent thinker, Macchiavelli's influence is notable. The policy of Italian equilibrium, which a century later developed into that of European equilibrium, was clearly foreseen by him." - Benigni, Umberto. The Catholic Encyclopedia. v.11, 1911.  The final essay relates to Emperor Charles V's defence of Vienna against Suleyman the Magnificent.  From Paruta, Montesquieu picked up both the title and the theme of his, "La grandeur et la decadence de l'Empire romain."  Refs: Adams P363. Gamba 1327.  Brunet IV, 392.