Italian courtesy-books : Fra Bonvicino da Riva's fifty courtesies for the table (Italian and English) with other translations and elucidations

A lively glimpse into medieval refinement, this volume presents Fra Bonvicino da Riva’s “Fifty Courtesies for the Table” in its original Italian followed by a faithful English rendering. Line numbers let listeners compare the two texts side by side, while brief introductions and explanatory notes illuminate obscure terms and customs. The etiquette rules span everything from proper table manners to the subtleties of hospitality, offering a concrete window into the daily conduct of 13th‑century Italian society.

The editor frames the work within the broader tradition of Italian courtesy literature, noting its early date—well before comparable French and English manuals—and its connection to figures like Brunetto Latini and Dante. Additional translations and scholarly comments enrich the listening experience, showing how these medieval prescriptions echo later European notions of civility. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the roots of polite behavior, the collection brings the voice of a long‑forgotten scholarly world to life.