Like every era, the Renaissance brims with stories. Fascinating, scandalous, and at times seemingly unbelievable stories from the notable lives of wily politicians, eccentric scientists, fiery rebels, and stolid reactionaries, as well as an acrobat, an actress, a poetic prostitute, a star comedian, and at least one very fretful mother are revealed. Some names are famous--Da Vinci, Luther, Medici, and Machiavelli--others are less well known, though...