The starting-point for this study of messer Bernardo father of the statesman and humanist
Niccolò Machiavelli is the diary he wrote over a period of thirteen years (1474-1487). Drawing
upon many further sources including Bernardo's will tax records and genealogies the first
in-depth investigation of the libro di ricordi reconstructs a panorama of everyday life during
a fascinating period of the history of Florence. Topics explored include Machiavelli family
history household economy wedding rites and Bernardo's interest in books and printing. This
study is invaluable for an understanding of Niccolò's intellectual and family background. Four
case-studies examine how messer Bernardo dealt with disputes and reveal the medieval roots of
behaviour and mentality in Quattrocento Florence.
