.A very good copy, in an attractive contemporary English binding, of the second, enlarged English edition of this most influential Renaissance mirror for princes , first published in Castilian as Relox de Príncipes (1529) by the Franciscan Antonio de Guevara (1481-1545), court historiographer of Charles V. This English edition includes, for the first time, the translation of Guevara s treatise for courtiers, Aviso de privados (1539). This English version by the jurist Thomas North (1535-1604), chiefly based on the French, is listed among Shakespeare s sources for Henry VIII (1613, with John Fletcher) (McCarthy, p.32). It is almost impossible to overestimate the influence of North s vigorous English on contemporary writers, and some critics have called him the first master of English prose (Chrisholm, p.759).. . .. Dial of Princes gathers an array of moral counsels. The protagonist is a fictionalised version of the Philosopher-Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose autobiographical Meditations provide the main source. North s dedicatory preface contains some interesting information on the processes through which the teachings of Guevara, originally of great use and profit to the Spaniards, can by means of their translation and appropriation be made profitable for English readers . North combines the languages of political and moral philosophy with the lexical fields of financial and commodity exchange to promote his translation and make the work relevant for a wider readership (Fernandez, p.91). The three main sections discuss Christian faith, the Prince s relationship to his wife and children, and government, with the help of dozens of epistolary exempla from antiquity. Book I addresses the evils of tyranny, how the prince should behave towards his subjects, eschew flatterers, be pious, and cultivate patience and virtue. Book II is entirely devoted to marriage, because whereas common people marry of free will, princes and noble men ought to marry of necessity , with sections on its legal aspects. Numerous sections provide counsels to married princesses, e.g., how they shouldn t be ashamed of breastfeeding, impart orders to their husbands or leave their house too often, as well as various misfortunes which may occur during pregnancy. Other sections are devoted to husbands proper behaviour towards their wives, especially when they are expecting. It also addresses the best education for children and the choice of tutors, i.e., nurses that are learned and knowledgeable. Book III focuses on government, how the prince should be just, moderate and aware of the turns of fortune. Book IV includes the first English version of Guevara s treatise of advice for courtiers, with close focus on their demeanour towards other courtiers and their ruler, pursue of continence, avoidance of unhonest women , etc. They should also know when to leave the court graciously, before age overtakes them . The final appendix comprises a dozen letters present in the Castilian original, but omitted in the French translation. . . ..James Stanley (1664-1736), 10th Earl of Derby, was a British politician who amassed a fine collection of Italian and Flemish paintings at his seat of Knowsley Hall..
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