Martinelli, Vincenzio (1702-1785)

Italian historian and writer.

Settled in London in 1748. Published various books, including an edition of Boccacio’s Decameron and the first history of England written in the Italian language.

A friend and frequent guest of Thomas Walpole, Franklin met him during his stay in London.

Back in Tuscany in 1776, he published an expanded version of his history of England that included the American colonies and foreshadowed the American Revolution: Storia del governo d’Inghilterra e delle sue colonie d’India e nell’America Settentrionale. In 1779, he sent Franklin a copy of this work.

Two years later, through François Steinsky, Franklin sent him his Political, Miscellaneous, and Philsophical Pieces.