Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
It was a dynasty with more wealth, passion, and power than the houses of Windsor, Kennedy, and Rockefeller combined. It shaped all of Europe and controlled politics, scientists, artists, and even popes, for three hundred years. It was the house of Medici, patrons of Botticelli, Michelangelo and Galileo, benefactors who turned Florence into a global power center, and then lost it all.
The House of Medici picks up where Barbara Tuchman's Hibbert delves into the lives of the Medici family, whose legacy of increasing self-indulgence and sexual dalliance eventually led to its self-destruction. With twenty-four pages of black-and-white illustrations, this timeless saga is one of Quill's strongest-selling paperbacks.
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
good book, but unbelievable omissions!
Customer Rating:
The many very good reviews on "The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall" compelled me to read it. It was a pretty good read indeed. The author covers the entire Medici history in great detail and the book reads quite well. There are also some nice illustrations. However, what was extremely disappointing was the lack of important supporting information, which is essential to history books. There were only two relatively poor maps (with very small font) and no map of Florence. Therefore, the location of the Medici villas, important battles and events are not shown. What is even worse: there is NO genealogy chart! I had to go back and forth and even tried the much inadequate Index to figure out who was the sister or brother or cousin of whom. I don't comprehend how this was not caught by any of the acknowledged proof readers or the Editor. Nevertheless, if you can get your hands on some good maps and the genealogy (e.g. Encyclopedia Britannica) the book is worth reading.
When's the Movie coming out?
Customer Rating:
This history read like an adventure movie, especially the discription of Lorenzo the Magnificient's life. I'm surprised someone here thought it lifeless! Murders, riots, wars, seductions! What more could you want?
Waste of time and money.
Customer Rating:
This is one of only handful of books that I have started and not been able to finish. I love history and thought this book would be a nice change from some of the "fluffy" books I have been reading lately. To be honest, I had a time time following the book. There were too many names that I found hard to keep track of, plus there were many historial references that I made the book very confusing. I couldn't even make it past chapter 3. Dont waste your money like I did!
Good Overview of a Grand Dynasty
Customer Rating:
Good read although I was surprised to find typos which is more a comment about the editor/publisher.
Overall, a fluid and entertaining read. Gives a good idea of the social and political life in Florence and within the family.
calling all history buffs
Customer Rating:
did you know the king of England, the King of France, the King of Spain and the Medici's were all related? I didnt but I do now...man, this a wonderful book. Not an easy read but a wonderful read. COuldnt put it down. Stayed up till all hours of the night reading and reading! Really a beautiful and sad family.
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