Jorge de Montemayor

Alfonso de Ulloa was a Spanish individual who spent a significant part of his life in Venice, Italy, where he worked as a publisher and translator. Born in Cáceres, Spain, he received his education in Toledo before relocating to Venice in 1546. In Venice, he initially served under Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the imperial ambassador, and likely interacted with Mendoza's librarian. Ulloa faced accusations of espionage for the French, which led him to flee Venice temporarily and work as a mercenary. However, by 1552, he had returned to Venice and focused primarily on translating Spanish texts into Italian. He collaborated with various printing houses, most notably Gabriele Giolito, and published translations of significant literary works, including those by Diego de San Pedro, Garcilaso de la Vega, and Jorge de Montemayor.

His publishing career was extensive, encompassing original works and translations of both Spanish and Italian texts. Ulloa's output included biographies of notable figures like Emperor Charles V and Ferrante I Gonzaga, as well as translations of classical and contemporary literature. His career ended with his imprisonment in 1567 in Venice, allegedly for forging a publication permit. Despite a death sentence, his punishment was commuted to life imprisonment, and he died in jail in 1570. He is particularly remembered for publishing an Italian translation of Ferdinand Columbus's biography of Christopher Columbus.

Alfonso de Ulloa, born in Cáceres, Spain, established himself in Venice during the 16th century. After receiving his education in Toledo, he moved to Venice in 1546, where he found employment with Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the imperial ambassador. During this period, it is highly probable that Ulloa came into contact with Arnoldus Arlenius, Mendoza's librarian, who was involved in translating classical texts. Ulloa's activities in Venice were not without controversy; he was accused by imperial officials of acting as a French spy, prompting him to leave the city. He briefly served as a mercenary before returning to Venice around 1552 to dedicate himself to his translation work. He primarily translated Spanish literature into Italian for printing firms like Gabriele Giolito.

Ulloa's primary contribution was as a translator and publisher, bridging Spanish and Italian literary traditions. He translated numerous Spanish works into Italian, including "La Celestina," "La cárcel de Amor" by Diego de San Pedro, poetry by Garcilaso de la Vega, and "La Diana" by Jorge de Montemayor. His output also included translations of Italian texts into Spanish, such as Girolamo Muzio's "Il Duello." Furthermore, he published biographies of contemporary figures, including Emperor Charles V, and translated works from Latin and Greek authors. His most notable publication, in terms of historical significance, was an Italian translation of Ferdinand Columbus's biography of Christopher Columbus.

The latter part of Alfonso de Ulloa's life was marked by legal troubles. In 1567, he was imprisoned in Venice on suspicion of falsifying an official permit from the Council of Ten to publish a book in Hebrew. Evidence suggests he lacked sufficient protection and may have been further implicated by the Spanish ambassador. Originally condemned to death, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Ulloa died in prison in 1570, concluding a career dedicated to the dissemination of literary and historical works across linguistic boundaries.