AUR’s Professor Andrea di Robilant's latest book, This Earthly Globe, is a captivating narrative of the Age of Discovery that sheds light on Giovambattista Ramusio's extraordinary efforts to democratize geographical knowledge. The book has garnered significant attention, including a glowing review in The Wall Street Journal, solidifying di Robilant's reputation as a distinguished historian and author.
In This Earthly Globe, Andrea di Robilant transports readers to the autumn of 1550, when an anonymous volume titled Navigationi et Viaggi (Journeys and Navigations) was published in Venice. This three-volume anthology, edited by the little-known Venetian public servant Giovambattista Ramusio, represented the largest release of geographical data in history. Through meticulous, in-depth research and an engaging narrative, di Robilant brings to life the man who, with the help of diplomats and spies, revealed a world much larger and more intriguing than previously imagined.
The Wall Street Journal's review highlights the historical significance of Ramusio's work, referring to it as “the biggest Wikileak of the Renaissance.” Until then, European courts had kept travel reports under lock and key, guarding powerful discoveries. Ramusio, however, took it upon himself to create the first contemporary anthology of travel narratives, thus transforming the landscape of geographical knowledge.
Andrea di Robilant's deep dive into Venetian history is not new. This Earthly Globe is his sixth book on Venice and the Venetians. His ability to weave intricate historical details into compelling stories has consistently captivated readers and critics alike.
Born in Rome in 1957, di Robilant's path to becoming a celebrated historian and author is as fascinating as his books. After studying in Rome and France, he traveled extensively, teaching English in Tehran and traversing the hippy trail across Asia. He later moved to New York City, earning a B.A. in History and a master’s degree from the School of International Affairs at Columbia University and, during his studies, working as a freelance journalist, covering significant events such as the Carter presidency and the Iran hostage crisis.
Di Robilant's career as a journalist took him across the globe, from reporting on the Reagan presidency and Central American conflicts to documenting the end of military regimes in South America. His diverse experiences have greatly enriched his writing and teaching, providing a unique perspective on historical events.
In 2003, he published his first book, A Venetian Affair, which was selected as a New York Times "notable book of the year." This marked the beginning of his successful transition from journalism to full-time writing. His subsequent works, including Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon and Irresistible North, further established him as a leading voice in historical literature.
Currently, di Robilant divides his time between Rome, where he teaches in the English Writing, Literature, and Publishing program at The American University of Rome, and the island of Giudecca in Venice. His passion for history and storytelling continues to inspire both his students and readers worldwide.
View the Wall Steet Journal’s review of ‘This Earthly Globe’
View Professor di Robilant’s publications on Barnes & Noble
View Professor di Robilant’s biography on this website.