Renaissance: The Story of Civilization

In this, the fifth volume in the series "The Story of Civilization," Dr. Will & Ariel Durant have compiled a magnificent treatise covering the Italian Renaissance. At over >720 pages, the reader will discover: The magnificent cities of Renaissance Italy (sovereign Florence, Pisa, Venice, etc.). The Great Artists such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, and more. The Great Medici family. Cesare Boria, the model for Machiavelli's master work "The Prince." Rome, briefly resurgent as the "capital of the world," until sacked by French and German mercenaries. And much, much more including plates and maps. <br /> <br />Although written to stand alone, or in the series, the Durants have created a smooth prose that is easily read and understood by both professional and layperson alike. Well done! The prospective reader would do well to purchase this book. I rate it as five stars as part of the Durants authoritative historical Magnum Opus! <br />

After the long Middle Ages, finally there comes the Renaissance. Like all Durant's other books, this one is very good. Like always, you get everything besides history. This is also a nice treat for the Art student. There too many figures to keep track of though. The reader must read carefully and make many mental notes of names. You get some interesting biographical accounts of all the Renaissance masters. The price of the book is good too. The work provides a good background to the casuses of the Reformation.

I recommend the whole Story of Civilization set. I've got all eleven. Durant is a brilliant writer and macrohistorian. His approach delves deep into the era with more than just a mere political or social history. I bought the set after my history professor recommended it some time ago. He covers Western Civilization and European history with an in-depth clarity that no historian of the 20th century can match. If you like history, don't pass on Will Durant.

I have read all of Durant's books but this one is my favorite. I've read it four times and have taken it with me to Italy. Once you read the book, you too will want to see the works of the artists described so vividly by Durant.

Fun and informative. Mr. Durant's expertise is shared in a very entertaining style. Perhaps not as entertaining as his "Story of Greece" or "Caesar and Christ," but still excellent.