The Heroic Enthusiasts (Gli Eroici Furori) Part the First

Giordano Bruno

Language:

English

Status:

Complete work

Authorship:

Written by the author

Condition of the text:

Clean text

Extent:

~37,100 words · 176 passages

_WITH AN INTRODUCTION, COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM DAVID LEVI'S GIORDANO BRUNO O LA RELIGIONE DEL PENSIERO_ LONDON GEORGE REDWAY YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN PREFACE. When this Translation was begun, more than two years ago, for my own pleasure, in leisure hours, I had no knowledge of the difficulty I should find in the work, nor any thought of ever having it printed; but as "Gli Eroici Furori" of Giordano Bruno has never appeared in English, I decided to publish that portion of it which I have finished. I wish to thank those friends who have so kindly looked over my work from time to time, and given me their help in the choice of words and phrases. I must, moreover, confess that I am keenly alive to the shortcomings and defects of this Translation. I have used the word "Enthusiasts" in the title, rather than "Enthusiasms," because it seemed to me more appropriate. L. W. FOLKSTONE, _September 1887_. ERRATA Page 3, line 10, _for_ "also mother" _read_ "also my mother." Page 47, line 9, _for_ "poisons" _read_ "poison." INTRODUCTION. Nola, a city founded by the Chalcidian Greeks, at a short distance from Naples and from Vesuvius, was the birth-place of Giordano Bruno. It is described by David Levi as a city which from ancient times had always been consecrated to science and letters. From the time of the Romans to that of the Barbarians and of the Middle Ages, Nola was conspicuous for culture and refinement, and its inhabitants were in all times remarkable for their courteous manners, for valour, and for keenness of perception. They were, moreover, distinguished by their love for and study of philosophy; so that this city was ever a favourite dwelling-place for the choice spirits of the Renaissance. It may also be asserted that Nola was the only city of Magna Græcia which,

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