Storia di Milano, vol. 1

The opening page introduces a lively portrait of Milan’s Enlightenment thinker Pietro Verri, whose birth in 1728 set the stage for a career that would intertwine scholarship, public service, and military duty. The author promises a concise yet vivid sketch of Verri’s early years, his brief stint as a captain, and the intellectual vigor that marked his youth.

From there the narrative expands to the challenges faced by Lombardy under Maria Theresa’s rule—burdensome taxes, restrictive trade laws, and a stifling atmosphere for the arts and sciences. Verri’s role as a reformer of public administration and economics is highlighted, offering listeners insight into how his writings aimed to untangle fiscal chaos and promote practical improvement. By weaving personal anecdotes with broader social commentary, the work invites you to explore the spirit of a city in transition and the mind that sought to guide it toward a more rational future.