The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici
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Author Description
At its height Renaissance Florence was a centre of enormous wealth, power and influence. A republican city-state funded by trade and banking, its often bloody political scene was dominated by rich mercantile families, the most famous of which were the Medici. This enthralling book charts the family’s huge influence on the political, economic and cultural history of Florence. Beginning in the early 1430s with the rise of the dynasty under the near-legendary Cosimo de Medici, it moves through their golden era as patrons of some of the most remarkable artists and architects of the Renaissance, to the era of the Medici Popes and Grand Dukes, Florence’s slide into decay and bankruptcy, and the end, in 1737, of the Medici line.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
How did the Medici family rise to dominate the political, economic, and cultural landscape of Renaissance Florence, and what factors contributed to their eventual decline? Christopher Hibbert, a noted historian, utilizes primary source documentation and historical records to construct a comprehensive narrative of the Medici dynasty. The book argues that the family's influence was inextricably linked to their mastery of banking and their strategic patronage of the arts, which solidified their power across several centuries.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A chronological account of the Medici dynasty from the 1430s to 1737.
- Analysis of the intersection between banking, politics, and artistic patronage.
- Detailed profiles of key figures including Cosimo de Medici and the Medici Popes.
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on the Medici family and Florentine politics rather than a broader history of the entire Italian peninsula.
- It does not provide an exhaustive technical analysis of Renaissance banking systems.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Historians and readers frequently cite this work as a highly accessible and thorough introduction to the Medici family. Experts highlight the book's ability to synthesize complex political maneuvering into a clear, engaging narrative for both students and general readers.
Page Count:
368
Publication Date:
2002-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN-10:
0140050906
ISBN-13:
9780140050905
History
Biography
Italy
Renaissance
Political History
European History
Europe
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