Ermolao Barbaro's On Celibacy 3 and 4 and On the Duty of the Ambassador

This book offers the first annotated translation into English of two works of the eminent Venetian humanist, Ermolao Barbaro (1454–93). Books 3 and 4 of On Celibacy seek to justify a contemplative existence at a far remove from the active life and career-path expected of a figure of Barbaro''s standing within the Venetian patriciate; Books 1 and 2 of On Celibacy are presented in the companion-piec...