When was Niccolò de' Niccoli born and where did he live?
Niccolò de' Niccoli was born in Florence during the year 1364. He lived and died within the same city walls on the 22nd of January 1437.
Questions about Niccolò de' Niccoli
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What specific role did Niccolò de' Niccoli play in preserving ancient texts?
His chief service to literature involved correcting text and dividing chapters. Niccoli created tables of contents for these ancient manuscripts before they were published.
How did Cosimo de' Medici support the library efforts of Niccolò de' Niccoli?
Cosimo de' Medici provided the funds needed to build a personal library of 800 manuscripts. This lending practice formed the basis for the public library at San Marco.
Why did critics claim that Niccolò de' Niccoli knew very little Greek?
Critics claimed he knew very little Greek despite his assistance from Traversari. His hypercritical spirit prevented him from writing or speaking Latin effectively.
Which modern typeface style originated from the handwriting of Niccolò de' Niccoli?
This enduring study of ancient manuscripts led to a new cursive script style known today as Italic or Cancelleresca. Italian printers later chose this specific lettering when they began using Italic type.