The House of Medici

Christopher Hibbert created a masterpiece with this work. It chronicles the fortunes of the Medici family from when its first leader, Cosimo comes to renown in Florence in 143 to when heirless Gian Gastone dies in 1737. The history is very interesting, it gives an insider's look into the complex world of Florence and Europe in the Renaissance. I learned many interesting things, particularly about the corruptrion in the Catholic Church at the time. My only qualm is that the author seems to lose interest with after Part 3 ends. The first 3 parts cover 100 years and last 260 pages and the last 140 years only take up 50 pages. Also of note are the notes that give information about notable villas and works of art that are mentioned. This would be extremely useful if one were to travel to Florence. Overall, an excellent read that will enrich your understanding of the Past.

I read this book when I was writing my dissertation around the subject. It was a pleasant surprise after absorbing so many dry text books - it reads like a story. The carnivals, artists and daily trials of life in Renaissance Florence are vividly described in this book. A detailed history and a fascinating insight into one of the richest areas of Italian history.

AN EXCELLENT READ ON THE HISTORY OF ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL CONTRIBUTING FAMILES OF ITALY. IF YOU ARE GOING TO FLORENCE YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK FIRST. IT TELLS MANY HISTORIC FACTS ABOUT CASTLES, FORTRESSES, CATHEDRALS AND BANKS THAT ARE STILL STANDING IN FLORENCE.YOU'LL LOVE LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT FOR HIRING THE MASTERS TO CREATE ART THAT IS STILL ALIVE IN FLORENCE DUE TO THE LAST MEDICI THAT WILLED ALL THAT WAS MEDICI TO FLORENCE WITH THE STIPULATION THAT IT STAYED IN FLORENCE. THIS IS WHY WE CAN VIEW PAINTINGS AND STATUES BY MICHAELANGELO IN FLORENCE THAT ARE 500 YEARS OLD. THIS BOOK ALSO CONTAINS HISTORY ON SOME OF THE PRACTICES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THAT WERE VERY INTERESTING.