Beginning with a series of nobles wondering what game they shall play to pass the time, its first section points out that Alfonso Ariosto is recording this work as a series of dialogues to preserve the conversations that occurred in the Dukedom of Urbino.
Split into four books, this work's second section argues that playing dice games is not a vice but becoming proficient at chess is, for it requires an inordinate amount of thinking and thus the mind is deprived of the natural sciences. This work's third section praises Pythagoras for mathematically calculating the parameters of the statue of Hercules and closes with Ottaviano Fregoso proposing a list of ideal qualities. Beginning with a series of nobles wondering what game they shall play to pass the time, its first section points out that Alfonso Ariosto is recording this work as a series of dialogues to preserve the conversations that occurred in the Dukedom of Urbino. This work features Pietro Bembo providing a discourse on love and Giuliano de Medici describing spezzatura, a set of qualities that includes the warrior spirit and being well-versed in the fine arts. For 10 points, identify this treatise on court life written by Baldassare Castaglione.
Split into four books, this work's second section argues that playing dice games is not a vice but becoming proficient at chess is, for it requires an inordinate amount of thinking and thus the mind is deprived of the natural sciences.
The Book of the Courtier or Il Cortegiano