| Through an analysis of works on the history of Florence by several authors, this study traces the evolution of the historical concept from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The works examined are the Cronica by Giovanni Villani, the Cronica by Dino Compagni, the Istoriarum Florentini Populi by Leonardo Bruni, the Storie Fiorentine by Niccolo' Machiavelli, the Storie Fiorentine and the Storia D'Italia by Francesco Guicciardini. A general introduction to the study is incorporated within the first chapter; it consists of a general overview of history from the Greek period to the Christian fathers.;Villani's historical concept develops within the framework of universal history and it is characterized by the inclusion of legends, myths, and the intervention of Divine Providence. Compagni becomes more factual and realistic in his approach. He concentrates on a specific and short period of Florentine history during which he is an active participant. Divine Providence continues to be one of the major aspects of the historical account. With Petrarca, there is a transition whereby the role of Divine Providence in history is doubted and the role of man in control of his environment is emphasized. With Leonardo Bruni, psychological and human factors continue to expand the historical concept, and the use of sources becomes more important. As Machiavelli enters the scene, the political process is at the center of the historical concept. Man is responsible for his actions through the application of reason. Guicciardini continues along these lines and carries the process to its ultimate pessimistic end, where history becomes a series of individual experiences connected among themselves by psychological motives. With Guicciardini, the modern era of history begins. |
