Quadrio, Francesco Saverio

Quadrio, Francesco Saverio a learned Italian Jesuit, was born in Valtellina, Dec. 1, 1695. He was of an infirm and susceptible temper, which involved him in sundry broils and disappointments, in consequence of which he sought and obtained leave to quit the Order of the Jesuits and assume the garb of a secular priest or abbe. He died at Milan, Nov. 21, 1756. He is noted principally as a secular writer. His historical and descriptive work on his own country, which he dedicated to pope Benedict XIV- Dissertazioni Critico-storiche intorno allal Rezio, di qgua dalle Alpi oggi detta. Valtellina (Milan, 1755, 3 vols. 4to) — is the best account extant of that secluded region. But the principal work of Quadrio is his general history of poetry in all ages and countries; Storia e Ragione d' oquui i'oesiea (Bologna and Milan, 1741-52, 7 vols. 4to), a laborious work, containing a vast deal of information not found collected in any other compilation; and, notwithstanding several mistakes and imperfections, is a very useful library book. Its composition occupied the author a considerable part of his life. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.