The Book of The Courtier was written by Count Baldassare Castiglione over the course of many years and was first published in vernacular Italian in 1528. An English edition was published in 1561.The book is a courtesy book or book of manners which deals with issues of etiquette, behaviour and morals, particularly at princely or royal courts, and provides a fascinating insight into Renaissance court life. The book takes the form of a Renaissance dialogue, a literary form that incorporated elements of drama, conversation, philosophy and essay. The book is organized as a series of fictional conversations that occur between the courtiers of the Duke of Urbino in 1507 (when Castiglione was in fact part of the Duke's Court). Over the course of four evenings, members of the court try to describe the perfect gentleman of the court. In the process, they debate the nature of nobility, humour, women and love.

By Baldassare Castiglione