Della illustrazione delle lingue antiche e moderne e principalmente dell'italiana procurata nel secolo XVIII. dagli Italiani - Parte I

The work opens with a thoughtful tribute to Italy’s long tradition of scholarship, positioning the eighteenth century as a high point when scholars turned their keen eyes to both the native tongue and the languages of their neighbours. Its author, a seasoned state counsellor, blends historical narrative with critical commentary, guiding the listener through essays on grammar, poetry and the rising prestige of Italian literature. While celebrating achievements, he does not shy away from questioning whether the fervor for foreign tongues may have eclipsed the care owed to the mother language.

Listeners will hear vivid portraits of learned men who edited dictionaries, taught at academies, and debated the proper use of words in salons across Europe. The narrative interweaves excerpts from contemporary treatises, lively anecdotes, and the author’s own reflections on the cultural forces shaping language. By the end of the first part, the audience gains a richer sense of how language was both a badge of national pride and a bridge to the broader Enlightenment, inviting them to consider the continuing dialogue between tradition and innovation.