New from the Press at California State University, Fresno is a novel about 16th century Venetian intrigues written by Dr. Joseph Satin, a dean emeritus of the College of Arts and Humanities, who now lives in the Bay Area.
“Pietro Aretino, The Sentient of Venice” (242 pages; $15) is the first novel in English about Aretino, a brilliant writer, scam artist, conniver and womanizer in the ruling courts of power first in Rome, then in Venice.
In reviewing Satin’s work, Dr. George Diestel, a Fresno State professor emeritus of communication, wrote that it “is written in a luscious style”
The novel, wrote Diestel, “recreates through engaging dialogue and vivid description the excitement of Pietro Aretino’s involvements, and most tastefully handles Aretino’s roguish exploits and amorous dalliances.”
The book also provides what Diestel called, “a spectacular gondola ride through the Renaissance realities of love and lust, aristocratic life and church power, political survival and personal integrity.
Satin, who earned his Bachelor of Science from Temple University and his master’s and doctoral degrees at Columbia University, was at Fresno State from 1973 to ’90. During his time as dean, there were numerous reorganizations and additions to existing programs, laying the foundation for today’s College of Arts and Humanities, Fresno State’s largest academic division.
His tenure included the debuts of the London Semester, Armenian Studies and Classical Studies programs; a creative writing option in the English master’s program; and creation of an Arts and Humanities Advisory Board. The Press at California State University, Fresno also was established.
“Pietro Aretino, The Sentient of Venice is available at www.thepressatcsufresno.org/, by calling 559.278.3056, or emailing press@csufresno.edu.
For more information, contact Carla Millar, 559.278.3056 or carlam@csufresno.edu.
