The De Monarchia of Dante Alighieri (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

A seminal essay on secular and religious power, *De Monarchia* examines the relationship between secular authority (represented by the Holy Roman Emperor) and religious authority (represented by the Pope)—a controversial subject at the time. Dante’s point of view is clear; he had defended the autonomy of Florence against the demands of Pope Boniface VIII. A seminal essay on secular and religious power, De Monarchia examines the relationship between secular authority (represented by the Holy Roman Emperor) and religious authority (represented by the Pope) a controversial subject at the time. Dante's point of view is clear; he had defended the autonomy of Florence against the demands of Pope Boniface VIII