Kenneth BartlettThe Renaissance in Italy: A History

This is a wonderfully well-organized and beautifully written survey of the manner in which humanistic values of the various courts of 14th and 15th century Italy were institutionalized and expressed. The author takes up the constituencies in turn--the papacy, the city-states, the duchies, the Holy Roman Empire, the French and Spanish crowns--and traces their political trajectories and entanglements one with another, revealing the degree to which these players were both related and divided by blood, marriage, negotiated interests and treachery. The narrative is detailed but never dull or tedious, because the author connects undercurrents and relationships among key figures and their families that supply motives and propel the narrative forward. All the major players are evaluated in terms of their realization of the humanistic values as derived from the ancients and articulated by Petrarch.

More than any other book I’ve read about the Renaissance, this one captures its political history and gives context and continuity to its importance. This is not a book to read for an exposition of Renaissance art. Art is used— wisely and cleverly, but not to excess (compare to Will Durant, for example, where the art is in my opinion the centerpiece and requires—assumes— great familiarity with the artists of the period) to illustrate what in fact occurred during the Renaissance and where.

Very fine introduction to the complex interplay between important developments in art and architecture and the culture/politics of the various Italian city-states. Interesting how much the cities differed from one another -- and the author explicates specific examples of representative art from each. The author also provides useful footnotes pointing to more specialized studies available to interested readers.

I happen to be addicted to reading history. This was a great book.

Beautifully written. The Renaissance comes to life through the lives of key figures in Italian city states. I really wished I had read this for my last trip to Italy.

Extremely good introduction to the Italian Renaissance. Great footnotes for further research and a complete bibliography.

Great history book

Problem-free transaction. Very pleased

Excellent narrative, it takes you through the main places of the italian renaissance: Florence, Milan, Venice, Neaples and Rome combined with an easy to follow timeline. Definitely a must read if you want to learn about this time in history

One of the best books written on the Renaissance. Not just content, but style, selection principles, great layout. I highly recommend this author on the Renaissance, excellent course book or for personal interest.