DONATO ACCIAIUOLI. – Scholar and orator of the age of Lorenzo de’ Medici, born in Florence in 1429, died in Milan in 1478. He studied philosophy and rhetoric under distinguished masters. In 1461 he was vicar of the Casentino and of Poppi, then Gonfaloniere of Justice, and as ambassador he gave proof of his diplomatic skill.
His translations of the works of ARIOSTO, PLUTARCH, and LEONARDO BRUNI are praiseworthy; from the latter’s *Historia Florentina* he drew much information for his *Life of Charlemagne*. He delivered various orations, among which is famous the one delivered on the occasion of the election of Sixtus IV. He was buried in the Charterhouse of Florence. His works lack originality of thought, yet they served to spread classical culture, especially Aristotelian philosophy.