Albertano da Brescia

Albertanus of Brescia, born around 1195 and died around 1251, was an Italian author of Latin social treatises and sermons, hailing from Brescia. He worked as a notary and a legal counselor (*causidici*). His initial involvement in public life is recorded in 1226 when he served as a judge renewing the Lombard League. In 1238, he was appointed captain to defend Gavardo against Emperor Frederick II's forces. After his defeat and brief imprisonment, he began his writing career. Influenced by classical authors like Seneca and Cicero, as well as Augustine and Old Testament wisdom literature, Albertanus authored several significant works. His treatise 'De amore et dilectione Dei et proximi et aliarum rerum et de forma vitae' (1238) focused on Christian life and quoted Seneca extensively. In 1245, he wrote 'De doctrina dicendi et tacendi', discussing the role of notaries and professionals in public life. His most famous work, 'Liber consolationis et consilii' (1246), examined the causes of human violence through the lens of urban vendettas, and was later adapted by Geoffrey Chaucer. His final work, a series of four sermons from 1250, addressed his fellow legal counselors. Albertanus aimed to establish a foundation for a good society through moral restraint and voluntary community participation. His writings were highly influential, with numerous translations and citations by notable figures like Brunetto Latini and Christine de Pizan, underscoring his broad impact on medieval society.