These primary sources open a window onto the ways that women and men in Renaissance Italy sought to communicate their beliefs, desires, fears, and hopes, both about their own lives and about the dynamic culture they helped to shape. An ideal complement to Paula Findlen's 'The Italian Renaissance: Essential Readings' (Blackwell Publishing, 2002). Includes canonical texts alongside newly available ones that give fresh perspectives. Selections address topical issues, such as the family strategies of women, attitudes towards non-Italians, and women as patrons of art. Genres represented include correspondence, poetry, the story, dialogue, oratory, and autobiography. Brings the teaching of the Italian Renaissance to life, showing how citizens communicated about their beliefs, desires, fears, and hopes.