The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the possible presence of Italian texts within private Dutch libraries; the final purpose of this work is to investigate the reason behind the presence of...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to analyse the possible presence of Italian texts within private Dutch libraries; the final purpose of this work is to investigate the reason behind the presence of such texts in the Netherlands, whether it is linked to cases of cultural transfer or examples of diffusion of this language in the Netherlands.Show less
The thesis is a selection from the handwritten diaries of Dr. Maria Madi, a non-Jewish doctor who lived in Budapest between 1941 and 1945. In the diaries’ entries Dr. Madi describes everything she...Show moreThe thesis is a selection from the handwritten diaries of Dr. Maria Madi, a non-Jewish doctor who lived in Budapest between 1941 and 1945. In the diaries’ entries Dr. Madi describes everything she experiences: on one hand, she mentions air raids, Nazi Propaganda, and food rationing, on the other she talks about personal subjects, such as missing her daughter, who immigrated to the United States. Moreover, in 1944 she hides in her home for several months two Jewish people, an incredible brave act that will make Madi a “Righteous Among the Nations.”Show less
This thesis aims at presenting Gregorio Leti (1630 - 1701) through the books he owned and using the auction catalogue established at his death. This unique approach paints a picture of a well-read...Show moreThis thesis aims at presenting Gregorio Leti (1630 - 1701) through the books he owned and using the auction catalogue established at his death. This unique approach paints a picture of a well-read man with connections in influential literary circles and interest in literary and philosophical topics. This analysis required the creation of an extensive database, transcribing and fixing mistakes from the auction catalogue from 1701. This database supported the quantitative and qualitative observations on Leti’s reading habits and interests. Quantitatively, the database agreed with the usual accounts of Leti's life as a typical seventeenth-century academic and educated historian, accounts that have been discussed in the few bibliographies focusing on Leti. Qualitatively, this thesis highlighted a thoroughness and range of interest matching the profile of a seventeenth-century scholar. While analysing Leti’s life and personality, this thesis also introduces some changes in the seventeenth century, including an analysis of philosophical and literary movements that became more prominent in this period.Show less
