Filangieri, Gaetano (1752–1788)

Gaetano Filangieri, born near Naples, the third son of the Prince of Arianiello, was inducted into a military career at an early age, as was the practice at the time for men of his social status. He became an ensign in the Sannio regiment in 1766. After leaving the army, he devoted his attention to historical, economic, legal, and literary studies. In 1772, he joined the Masonry in the English tradition, which was then spreading rapidly throughout the Bourbon state in southern Italy. Graduating in law in 1775, he became an attorney, but soon left the profession to concentrate completely on his studies. In 1777, he was appointed Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Ferdinand IV of Naples and soon afterward an Officer in the Royal ...