John Florio (1553–1625) was an Italian-born linguist, lexicographer, and writer who made significant contributions to English literature during the Renaissance. He served as a linguistic bridge between Italian and English cultures, leaving an indelible mark on the development of English prose and language studies in a transformative period in England’s literary history.
Born in London to Italian Protestant refugees, Florio immersed himself in languages during his early years, becoming proficient in Italian, French, and Latin. His linguistic expertise led to his employment as a language tutor, where he shared his knowledge with the nobility.
Florio’s most enduring work is his translation of Michel de Montaigne’s essays into English. This monumental task highlighted his linguistic prowess and deep understanding of both languages. Published as The Essayes of Montaigne (1603; revised 1613,) this translation introduced Montaigne’s humanistic and philosophical ideas to English readers, leaving a lasting impact on English literature.
In addition to translation, Florio authored original works, including language manuals and dictionaries. His Italian-English dictionary, A World of Words (1598,) played a pivotal role in shaping the English language during the Elizabethan era. The second edition, Queen Anna’s New World of Words (1611,) was significantly enlarged, further solidifying Florio’s linguistic legacy.
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Who has not served cannot command.
—John Florio
Topics: Leadership, Leaders
A good husband makes a good wife.
—John Florio
Topics: Marriage, Husbands
Praise the sea; on shore remain.
—John Florio
Topics: Water
Who will not suffer labor in this world, let him not be born.
—John Florio
Topics: Labor
For proverbs are the pith, the proprieties, the proofs, the purities, the elegancies, as the commonest so the commendablest phrases of a language. To use them is a grace, to understand them a good.
—John Florio
Topics: Proverbial Wisdom, Proverbs
Night is the mother of thoughts.
—John Florio
Topics: Night
To long for that which comes not. To lie a-bed and sleep not. To serve well and please not. To have a horse that goes not. To have a man obeys not. To lie in jail and hope not. To be sick and recover not. To lose one’s way and know not. To wait at door and enter not, and to have a friend we trust not: are ten such spites as hell hath not.
—John Florio
Topics: Misery, Money
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