Italics. I use italics relatively sparsely, mostly to highlight terminology that not all readers can be assumed to be familiar with when I first introduce it. This also applies to many, though by no means all, non-English words used in the book. Italics in quotations from other works, except when specified otherwise, are the respective authors’ italics.
Naming. In naming/referencing influential ancient and medieval figures, I am not always consistent but follow the practices that appear to be predominant in the English language secondary literature I have consulted.
Gender. I use gender neutral language when and where I convey my own thought and ideas as well as those of modern authors who do the same. Most of the sources discussed in this book do not. Where referring to, and citing, them, I stick to the conventions of the times during which they were produced.
Translations. Whenever possible, I use available English translations of non-English works. However, there are instances in which I disagree with, and accordingly modify, these translations because I consider them misleading. This may partly be a matter of judgment and taste. In some cases, however, existing translations are genuinely problematic. I have done my best to replace them with better alternatives.
Language. When citing/quoting medieval and early modern authors writing in vernacular languages, I use the original spelling and phrasing. Where appropriate, I explain the meanings in question.
Bibliography. The bibliography references all works cited in this book except ones originating in Greek and Roman antiquity. These are referenced directly in the main body of the text (including footnotes) following the pertinent conventions. The same applies to a few internet publications that are not essential to my concerns and/or report numerical data which change over time without this being relevant to the argument made in the book.