Albano Sorbelli in Florence. Bibliology and Historical method at the Istituto di Studi Superiori

Abstract

Starting from the dissertation submitted in 1899 by Albano Sorbelli to the Istituto di Studi Superiori in Florence (later transformed in the University of Florence, 1924), the text examines his historic and bibliological training, the relationship between History and Bibliology and the role of the Philology and Philosophy Section of the Institute, founded in 1859 under the direction of Gino Capponi. The historical courses held by Pasquale Villari and Achille Coen, also Director of the Library, toghether with the archival and bibliographic classes and exercices held at the Paleography and Diplomatics School directed by Cesare Paoli, gave him the opportunity to better understand and strenghten the link between History and Bibliography, defining and starting his professional career. A final short overview of the manuscript confirms the skill of Albano Sorbelli in managing historical sources and classifying them, and foretells his attitude to historical bibliography and Library Science.