Giovanni della Casa

Giovanni della Casa, born on June twenty-eighth, fifteen oh three, was a multifaceted Italian figure known for his contributions as a writer, poet, diplomat, and Catholic priest. His diverse career spanned various roles, including that of an inquisitor, showcasing his deep engagement with the cultural and social issues of his time.

Among his notable works, della Casa is best remembered for his influential treatise on etiquette, titled Il Galateo overo de’ costumi, published in fifteen fifty-eight. This seminal work on polite behavior has left an indelible mark on the landscape of social conduct, earning acclaim for its insightful observations and elegant prose.

The impact of Il Galateo has been profound, with its popularity enduring through the centuries. In the eighteenth century, the esteemed critic Giuseppe Baretti praised it in his work The Italian Library, describing it as “the most elegant thing, as to stile, that we have in our language.” This recognition underscores the treatise's significance in shaping the norms of civility and decorum in Italian society.