History of Florence, 1200 - 1575

The city of Florence is idealized by many as the cradle of the Renaissance, a place of art and beauty ruled by enlightened men. Najemy (history, Cornell University) acknowledges the allure of Florence but reminds the reader that the families who supported the arts were also politicians. In the almost four-hundred year span of this book, Najemy takes Florence from a republic ruled by an oligarchy to a Medici princedom in all but name, through anarchy and the theocracy of Savonarola and back to a quasi-republic and a Medici resurgence. The importance of family alliances among the elite is a continuing thread but Najemy also emphasizes the role of the populace in the politics of Florence. This is a fine balance to art histories that only see Lorenzo de Medici as a magnificent patron and ignoring the intrigues and plots that kept him in power and made the art possible. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
In this history of Florence, distinguished historian John Najemy discusses all the major developments in Florentine history from 1200 to 1575.Captures Florence’s transformation from a medieval commune into an aristocratic republic, territorial state, and monarchy Weaves together intellectual, cultural, social, economic, religious, and political developments Academically rigorous yet accessible and appealing to the general reader Likely to become the standard work on Renaissance Florence for years to come