Castiglione's biography: The courtier and the Italian princes.

Abstract

Rather than occasional diplomacy Castiglione preferred to discuss the activities in which the courtier possesses a liberty of action and possibility of influence. In an examination of his diplomatic activity it appears that Castiglione was a victim rather than manipulator of events. While he had a talent for perseverance this is a sign of his impotence. While the courtier may be seen in The Book of the Courtier as the instrument for renewing the Italian peninsula, Castiglione's mission to Spain, like the courtier's attempt to direct the prince on the "camin della virtù", reveals he was facing an illusory task.