The life of Cardinal Mezzofanti With an introductory memoir of eminent linguists, ancient and modern

"The Life of Cardinal Mezzofanti" by Charles William Russell is a historical biography that explores the life and incredible linguistic abilities of Cardinal Mezzofanti, a man known for his mastery of many languages. The book starts with a look at other famous linguists throughout history, introducing the main subject. The author explains why it is important to accurately document Mezzofanti's gift for languages, using reliable facts and stories from people who knew him and could vouch for his language skills. Russell thanks those who helped provide these accounts, starting a detailed investigation into the cardinal's linguistic talents and their importance in the world of language studies.