Apologetic Writings

This collection features Girolamo Savonarola's writings, showcasing his fervent beliefs and significant role in Renaissance Florence's tumultuous history.

Brought to Florence by Lorenzo de’ Medici as a celebrity preacher, Girolamo Savonarola (1452–1498), a Dominican friar, played a significant role in the tumultuous events that ultimately led to the downfall of the Medici family. This volume presents a collection of his Latin writings, all composed in the year preceding his execution, now translated into English for the first time. Savonarola’s influence in Florence peaked during the 1490s, a time marked by his fervent calls for reform and his rise to a position of considerable power within the Renaissance republic.

After a period of dominance, Savonarola faced excommunication by Pope Alexander VI in 1497, which set off a series of conflicts culminating in his execution in 1498 in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria. This book captures the essence of his final thoughts and defenses, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his prophetic mission and reformative efforts. The writings include various letters, a formal apologia, and the Dialogue on the Truth of Prophecy, all reflecting his complex mindset and religious zeal.

Apologetic Writings not only provides insight into Savonarola’s life and beliefs but also serves as a historical document that reveals the intense ideological battles of Renaissance Florence. Through these translated works, readers gain a deeper understanding of a man who, despite his eventual demise, left an indelible mark on the city and its history.