De Bello Italico Commentarius is an account of the 1494-5 Italian War, an invasion of the Italian peninsula by Charles VIII of France.

Rucellai was a supporter of the Medici family and a confidant of Lorenzo de’ Medici (1449-92), the long-time ruler of Florence. On Lorenzo’s death, he was succeeded by his son, Piero, who was unable to maintain the fragile system of alliances that his father had spent years nurturing. Taking advantage of the situation, the enemies of the Medici sought the support of Charles and in November 1494, the French army approached Florence. Despite attempts to make peace – Rucellai was among the negotiators – Piero and his allies fled, and a new republic was established under Girolamo Savonarola and, from 1502, Piero Soderini. The Medici would return to power in Florence on the capture of the city by Giovanni de’ Medici in 1512.

This edition of Rucellai’s work was published in 1724 by John Brindley. The Royal Library holds two copies (see also RCIN 1029319), both bearing fore-edge paintings depicting the coat of arms of George I and were perhaps intended for presentation to the king. While a copy of the book is listed in the library of Queen Caroline, consort of George II, it cannot be confirmed if either of the books now in the Royal Library belonged to her. This copy was formerly in George III's library at Windsor.