"Fede", verità e simulazione nella Storia d'Italia

The paper focuses on three key words of “Storia d’Italia” and on the concepts to which they relate: faith (to fulfill covenants, signed pacts, promises), truth and pretence (simulated demeanour). The analysis aims at a close examination of the problematic meaning and significance and of the structural function that they have in the work. Selected and paradigmatic examples prove that systematic goals in author’s historical writing lie in distinguishing truth from falsehood and unfounded opinions and claims, in revealing hidden and masked facts and thoughts, in demystifying and denouncing trickeries and errors, starting from the greatest and powerful kings, princes and commanders. In connection with one of the most problematic and hot matter – that is keeping or not keeping words, pacts etc.- a particular attention is paid to Venetian’s direct speeches in “Storia d’Italia” and to Guicciardini’s previous autograph writings about the captivity and release of Frances I, the king of France.