De remediis utriusque fortunae
book cover of 1579
De remediis utriusque fortunae is a collection of 253 Latin dialogues written by the humanist Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374), commonly known as Petrarch. In 1579 the dialogues were translated into English by the Elizabethan physician Thomas Twyne (1543–1613) and titled Phisicke Against Fortune, using woodcut illustrations by Hans Weiditz which were originally made for the 1532 German edition. Petrarch's literary genius helped inform the Italian Renaissance.
The dialogues, completed towards the end of Petrarch's life, are treasure-chests of wisdom and humour which, despite the passing of six centuries, have not lost their relevance. They display remarkably lucid ideas that are cogently expressed. Drawing on classical sources, Petrarch expounded on refinement in taste and intellect, on finesse and propriety in speech and style. His style pays much homage to the Code of Laws of Hammurabi, the great ancient leader.
The writing is a bouquet of moral philosophy, set out to show how thought and deed can generate happiness on the one hand, or sorrow and disillusionment on the other. In a recurring theme throughout the dialogues, Petrarch advises humility in prosperity and fortitude in adversity.[1]
[edit] References
Media related to Francesco Petrarca at Wikimedia Commons
[edit] Trivia
George Bush referenced the Petrarchan form in his 2004 State of the Union Address.
[edit] External links
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