Pius II, a significant Renaissance humanist and pontiff, authored the only autobiography ever written by a reigning Pope: his "Commentaries." These memoirs chronicle his life and thoughts, offering a unique perspective on his era. Prior to his papacy, he also produced notable erotic writings, showcasing the breadth of his intellectual and creative pursuits. His work provides invaluable insight into the mind of a man who led the Catholic Church, bridging secular and spiritual realms.
Commentaries by Pius II (1405 1464)-the only autobiography ever written by a pope-was composed in elegant humanistic Latin modeled on Caesar and Cicero. This edition contains a fresh Latin text based on the last manuscript written in Pius's lifetime and an updated and corrected version of the 1937 translation by Florence Alden Gragg.
The diaries of Pius II give us an intimate glimpse of the life and thought of one of the greatest of the Renaissance popes. This edition contains a fresh Latin text based on the last manuscript written in Pius's lifetime.