Considering that this book began as my D.Phil. thesis at Oxford, I would be remiss to overlook the impact of my professors. Most of all, I must emphasize the careful attention and guidance from my D.Phil. supervisor, Professor David Parrott. His detailed readings of my drafts significantly improved my workâs organization, scope, and content â all the way down to the footnotes and punctuation! From my first inquiries as a prospective D.Phil. student, David was beyond cordial. He has consistently and relentlessly guided me as a researcher and writer, and his first order of business after completing my viva (defense) was developing strategies for publication. During both my time at Oxford and especially in the years since, Professor Peter Wilson offered tremendous insight that helped me better understand my projectâs place in early modern historiography. Peterâs comments at my defense essentially served as a template for transforming my doctoral thesis into this book, and he also proved a source of encouragement and advice in composing the book proposal and throughout the publication process.
Over the course of my research, Italian scholars and friends offered unwavering support. Among them, Dr. Ciro Paoletti led me on my very first visit to Italy in 2013 and has continually offered âtours,â scholarly guidance, and source materials. Ciro patiently and carefully read through early drafts of this book and helped me more clearly discern and explain the intricacies of sixteenth-century Italy. During my first solo research trip in March 2017, I had the pleasure of meeting Professors Franco Angiolini and Arturo Pacini at the Università di Pisa. Notes and resources from those two meetings have continually served me throughout my ongoing research. Additionally, the wonderful people at the Archivio di Stato di Pisa and di Firenze were always beyond courteous and helpful. Last but certainly not least, Dr. Niccolò Capponi and his lovely wife Maria offered much hospitality during my otherwise lonely research trips to Florence between 2017â2019. For over ten years now, Niccolò has directed me towards valuable sources and has posed excellent questions that still challenge me. Alongside Peter Wilson, Niccolòâs suggestions at my doctoral defense proved invaluable in the shaping of this book. During one of my visits with Niccolò, I also had the opportunity to reconnect with â who insists that we are peers â Kelly DeVries. When I mentioned my idea for a book about Cosimo I de Medici and the naval angles of the Italian Wars, Kelly immediately responded: âit needs to be written!â I am beyond humbled and overwhelmed that outstanding scholars such as David Parrott, Peter Wilson, Ciro Paoletti, Franco
From High Point University and the beginning of my career in history, I am deeply indebted to Professor Frederick C. Schneid. I cannot list all of the ways Rick contributes to my life on a professional and personal level. I am honored to consider him a mentor and friend. Rick has always been in my corner as my career developed from a notion to a dream to a reality. Unfortunately, Dr. James W. Stitt passed away in 2016, but under his guidance, he taught me so much about history and life. His legacy endures, and I have Dr. Stitt to thank for identifying my passion for history and for providing a most excellent role model. I know he would be thrilled to know that I am an Assistant Professor of History at our alma mater and have published this book!
To make that happen, I made new friends along the way. Brillâs History of Warfare editorial and publication team has been outstanding! Specifically, I would like to thank the professionalism, promptness, patience, and genuine positivity of Madhan Kumar and Marcella Mulder. Like all of us, there are certainly others in the background that have helped, but having worked with them directly, I could not have asked for better people to guide me through this labyrinthine and challenging process. I hope this is the first of many collaborations.
The list of loved ones who provided their undying love and support throughout my education and the production of this monograph would be a book in and of itself. To say that I am blessed is an understatement. This book and especially its author stands upon a mountain of love. This book may bear my name, but it reflects all of your kindness, fortitude, and wisdom. Thank you!