An Annotated Bibliography of Printed and Online Primary Sources for the Middle Ages
Shaw, Prue, ed., trans., Monarchy (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1996).
Text name(s): Monarchy; De Monarchia
Number of pages of primary source text: 92
Medieval Author(s): Dante Alighieri
Dates: 1313 - 1321
Archival Reference:
Original Language(s): Latin;
Translation: English translation.
Translation Comments:
Geopolitical Region(s): Italy;
County/Region: Florence; Tuscany
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Record Type(s): Treatise - Political |
Subject Heading(s): Classics / Humanism Education / Universities Papacy Reform Royalty / Monarchs War - Military History |
Apparatus: Index Bibliography Introduction
Comments:
Dante Alighieri is best known for his monumental literary work the Divine Comedy, which is written in Italian and which traces a journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven. However, he also wrote many other works, both in the vernacular and in Latin. His Latin De Monarchia (On Monarchy), written later in his life, systematically outlines his views on government, which appear sporadically throughout the Divine Comedy and other works but are fully articulated here. In this work, Dante examines the relationship between papacy and empire, arguing that humankind is disposed to be ruled over by a single personality, that that personality ought to be a peacekeeper and lawgiver, and that through unity, the rulers duty is to provide freedom to his subjects. Dante additionally concludes that the emperors authority comes directly from God, with no need of an intermediary, thus suggesting that papal involvement in secular political affairs is undesirable. Dantes arguments are grounded in Aristotelian thought, and he conducts his argument in the typical scholastic tradition of argument and counterargument.
Introduction Summary:
The editors 34 pp introduction notes Dantes involvement in the political life of Florence prior to his exile, and his sympathy to the empire in the conflict between Guelphs (papal supporters) and Ghibellines (imperial supporters). She summarizes each of the three books of the De Monarchia, noting the classical or scriptural sources for Dantes arguments. The editor also places the De Monarchia in historical context, noting that it is unclear whether the work was composed before or after Emperor Henry VIIs descent into Italy, (and his ultimate failure); however, regardless of date, the editor suggests that this work exemplifies Dantes pro-empire stance.
Cataloger: MCB