The Medici (Italian Histories) Hardcover – March 7, 2016

Overall, this was a very enjoyable book. The narrative was easy to follow and moved along quickly. The author can be commended for covering over 300 years of history in an easy-to-follow writing style. The book starts in the early 1400s and ends in the early 1700s.I bought this book to gain insight into medieval politics and intrigue; especially the papal wars and conspiracies. This included the assassination attempt on Lorenzo the Magnificent during mass at the cathedral in Florence. The book covers several famous individuals such as Machiavelli and the two Medici Popes, Leo X and Clement VII.Not only does the author cover numerous political topics, he also gives a mini education on renaissance art and science The Medici sponsored, or were otherwise involved, with some of history’s greatest artists and engineers such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Galileo.The final chapters cover Medici marriages and how they became royalty. Eventually, however, the blood line died out. All in all, this was a fascinating read and much better than I anticipated.

This popular history of the amazing family Medici was just what I needed to catch up on an astonishing time in European history. This is decidedly NOT a scholarly treatise, as any true historian of the period would be, and has been, quick to point out, but it is briskly written and in the main, as far as I can tell, factually accurate. The intertwining of art, politics, and sheer skullduggery is delightful to devour. I recommend it, being sure to warn you about what you are and are not getting.

I like the accuracy and parallels drawn

Held off ordering this for a while but glad I finally did as I’m a quarter way in and really enjoying it. You don’t have to be familiar with the Medicis to read this but of course if you are it brings together all of their history in a fascinating, novelistic way. Loved this one.

Absolutely captivating and written like a real time walk through Italian History via the Medici family. Couldn't put it down!

Very readable history of the Medici family. HIghly recommend to anyone interested in both history of Florence and Italy at large. Lots of details yet still quite readable.

Written like a text book, but easy to read. The lineage chart in the front was extremely helpful as I constantly referred to it to understand who belonged to whom. I had seen the Netflix series and became intrigued with the family...that is why I chose to read this book. As someone who loves and admires art, I learned so much more about the Renaissance and how this family's wealth and power influenced that time period. The electing of a pope was extremely eye opening as well. Now I want to visit Florence and Milan to witness what I read.

In my opinion, the Medici were one of the most interesting families of history. Banking and trading, arts and science patronage throughout the Renaissance, Vatican politics... they did it all. This book not only tells this story of the Medici, but zooms out enough to give you a sense of the world at the time so that you can better understand how they so profoundly affected it. The author has a great writing style, too. It’s intelligent, but also sports a novelist’s flare that pulls you along with its imagery and frequent wit.