Book Review

Private Renaissance
by Maria Bellonci

This book is a first-person narrative fictional autobiography of Isabella d'Este, marchesana of Mantua and one of the most prominent, admired, and powerful women of the Italian Renaissance. Bellonci does an excellent job of bringing Isabella to life, giving vivid reality to both her inner and outer selves. Isabella is a great character - she was a very intelligent, clever woman who was well-educated and able to hold political power. She didn't see herself as simply an heir-bearer and domestic attache to her husband Francesco Gonzaga (marquis of Mantua) - she saw herself as his more or less equal partner in government. She really knew what she was doing and really understood the world and times she was living in. Reading such a well-written book about her was a delight.

I'm on lunch break, so here's a quiz

You scored as Existentialism. Your life is guided by the concept of Existentialism: You choose the meaning and purpose of your life. “Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.” “It is up to you to give [life] a meaning.” --Jean-Paul Sartre “It is man's natural sickness to believe that he possesses the Truth.” --Blaise Pascal More info at Arocoun's Wikipedia User Page... </td> Existentialism 85% Utilitarianism 65% Justice (Fairness) 65% Hedonism 50% Kantianism 50% Strong Egoism 35% Apathy 30% Nihilism 10% Divine Command 0% What philosophy do you follow? (v1.03) created with QuizFarm.com</