In establishing and ordering the common weale, much care and diligence must be undertaken. Without learning and virtue, wholesome rule is impossible. Such things are precisely what Francesco Patrizi endeavors to detail in this comprehensive, systematic work of political philosophy, marshaling myriad lessons from classical history as keystones in his theory of virtue politics. He touches upon:
republic vs. monarchy
political laws & ordinances
support for learning
marriage & housekeeping
household order
duties & offices
civil citizens & countrymen
the land's impact on man
buildings, walls, & gates
garrisons & libraries
peace & war
liberal arts & sciences
election of magistrates
vice & virtue
safeguarding the city
trades & vocations
entreating the nobility
waterworks & waterways
castles & fortresses
churches & monuments
martial discipline
and much more