From the History of Italy

by Don Bosco

From the Storia d'Italia (1855)

It is a universally admitted fact that books should be adapted to the intelligence of those they wish to address, just as food must be prepared according to the physical make-up of individuals. Following this principle I have set out to recount the history of Italy for young people following the same rules I have used for other books of similar scope regarding subject, language and contents.

So keeping to facts that are certain and the most fruitful for morality and useful teachings, I have left aside things that are less certain, frivolous conjecture, over many footnotes and also high-sounding political discussions which are useless and sometimes damaging for young people. I can assure the reader that I have not written a sentence without checking it with the best, and as far as possible contemporary, authors or ones who are at least closer to the times to which the events refer. I have not spared any effort in reading modern authors writing about Italy, drawing from each of them what has seemed best suited to my intentions.

This history is divided into four particular periods; the first begins with the early inhabitants of Italy and extends as far as the vulgar era, when the entire Roman Empire came under the domination of Augustus. This period can be called ancient or pagan Italy.

The second runs from the beginning of the Roman Empire until its fall in the West in 476, and we will call this Christian Italy, because it was during this time that Christianity was propagated and established throughout Italy.

The third runs from the fall of the Roman Empire in the West until the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and it is the History of the Middle Ages.

The fourth takes in the rest of History up until our times, commonly known as Modern History.

I have done what I could so that my work can be useful for that portion of human society that is our hope for a happy future, youth. The final purpose of every page has been to expound historical truth, instill love for virtue, flight from vice, respect for religion.

The good acceptance by the public of some of my earlier published works leads me to hope for the best for this one however it may be. If it can be of advantage to someone let that give glory to the One who is the Giver of all good things, to whom I wish to consecrate these slender efforts of mine.