In 2019 I was able to wander around Florence. Florence's undeniable Medici influence is on display everywhere. From the architecture of the prominent buildings, to the art that adorns their interiors and exteriors, it even includes their influence on government. Christopher Hibbert's superb history of the Medici family is one that I wished I'd read before going to Florence, as my appreciation for what I was seeing would have been deeper. "A Florentine who is not a merchant...enjoys no esteem whatsoever.." With these words, we start the tale of Florence. Hibbert explains the socio-economic factors that produced this remarkable city. A city of merchants and bankers with a rich history of republican thought and government. Into this mixture in 1296 the Medici family appears. It is interesting that both versions of the Medici emblem are explained, with it representing the dents on Averardo's shield during his service under Charlamange (this is certainly the Medici propaganda version), as well as the explanation more historically likely- the coat of arms displays three red balls which could be pills or cups, signifying the importance of their last name having to do with the medical practice. By the 1370s the Medici family had a reputation for populist politics, something that Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici was anxious to dispel. Giovanni would be instrumental in helping Florence to increase its wealth significantly by taking over the port of Pisa, as well as the city itself. Giovanni was also the one who owned two wool-making shops and then branched off into banking. In time, he would become Pope John XXIII's banker. His son is the famous Cosimo, who was born in 1389, who lived during the inter-familial conflicts endemic to the Italian city-states. The famous Albizzi-Medici conflict occurs during this time. From this point on the book is a treasure trove of information about the various Medicis. From the great and mighty like Cosimo or Lorenzo the Magnificent, to the dregs of the family that appear near the end. Engaging to read, full of information, and a very enriching experience for anyone with a desire to learn about the Medici family, but also for anyone who wishes to travel to Florence (IMHO you ought to once-it's a truly beautiful place and one of my personal favorite world cities). From the beautiful descriptions, the city will come alive during different time periods. But, for me, the most wonderful part was detailed Notes on the Buildings and the Art found in the back. As someone who loves to wander around cities, this is a great resource. A great deal of information about how the major buildings came into being and it also points out buildings that could be missed but have huge historical significance. I loved it! Hibbert's history of the Medici is excellent. I shall have to find a hardcover version of this to place in my library and take the paperback with me next time I find myself in Florence. Highly recommended.

The Rise and Fall of the House of MediciChristopher Hibbert · William Morrow Paperbacks · 19996 okunma

·

3 artı 1'leme

·

85 görüntüleme

Yorum yapabilmeniz için giriş yapmanız gerekmektedir.