Giovanni Villani was born into a successful mercantile family of Florence. After receiving a commercial education, he joined the prominent Peruzzi company; he became a partner in the firm and represented it in Flanders during the first decade of the fourteenth century. By the early 1320s he had left the Peruzzi to become a partner in the newer but highly successful Buonaccorsi company. Meanwhile, in the second and third decades of the century, he pursued an active political career, serving in numerous magistracies, including the highest executive office, as prior. However, as a result of his actions in one of these positions, he was tried for corruption in 1331. Although he was absolved, his political career was effectively over. More serious troubles began for him around 1342, with the…
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Citation: Clarke, Paula Christine. "Giovanni Villani". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 05 November 2013 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=12947, accessed 23 November 2024.]
