The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition

The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance

by  Paul Strathern

This book is not a boring list of names and dates but instead a dazzling history of the modest family that rose to become one of the most powerful in Europe, The Medici is a remarkably modern story of power, money, and ambition.

Against the background of an age that saw the rebirth of ancient and classical learning Paul Strathern explores the intensely dramatic rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence, as well as the Italian Renaissance which they did so much to sponsor and encourage.

Strathern also follows the lives of many of the great Renaissance artists with whom the Medici had dealings, including Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello; as well as scientists like Galileo and Pico della Mirandola.

The fortunes of those members of the Medici family who achieved success away from Florence is also looked at, including the two Medici popes and Catherine de’ Médicis, who became Queen of France and played a major role in that country through three turbulent reigns.

Strathern has given us engrossing character portraits of the powerful dynastic family which created a new era.