--- product_id: 25675608 title: "The Medici (Italian Histories)" price: "€ 81.20" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/25675608-the-medici-italian-histories store_origin: HR region: Croatia --- # The Medici (Italian Histories) **Price:** € 81.20 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Medici (Italian Histories) - **How much does it cost?** € 81.20 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hr](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/25675608-the-medici-italian-histories) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description A vivid, dramatic, and authoritative account of perhaps the most influential family in Italian history: the Medici. 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; and the fortunes of those members of the Medici family who achieved success away from Florence, 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. Review: Rise and Fall of the Godfathers of the Renaissance - This book is amazing. It is not just a biography of the Medici family, but a vivid history of the Renaissance, covering about 250 years of Medici influence and the transformation of European civilization. Strathern introduces a whole world of artists, thinkers, and scientists — Brunelleschi, Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Copernicus, Galileo, and more. The Medici rise from cautious bankers to godfathers of a cultural revolution, while the Florentine florin becomes a trusted currency that helps lay the foundations of modern capitalism. What stood out most for me is how alive the people feel. Lorenzo the Magnificent appears not only as a ruler but also as a musician, poet, athlete, and philosopher, while Cosimo de’ Medici struggles with guilt over usury as he reads Plato late into the night. The rivalry between Leonardo and Michelangelo, and small human details like Cosimo stopping an important meeting to carve a flute for his grandson, make the history very human and memorable. The book also explains the bigger picture: how Europe spent centuries in intellectual darkness, how ancient knowledge survived in the Middle East, and how the rediscovery of classical texts helped spark humanism and modern science. From Brunelleschi’s dome to Galileo’s “book of Nature,” Strathern shows why the conflict between the Church and science was almost inevitable. By the end, the decline of the Medici feels tragic. Florence, once a center of power and creativity, becomes just a chapter in history; the Medici even help trigger the Protestant Reformation through the sale of indulgences. The book does not hide the darker side: massacres, corruption, and ruthless political tactics. The writing style can be demanding — it is closer to academic history than to a novel — but if you enjoy detailed history and ideas, it is absolutely worth the effort. This book changed how I see the Renaissance, the birth of modern science, and the tension between our spiritual values and political reality. Review: A brisk and helpful read - 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. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #300,194 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #13 in Italian History (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 927 Reviews | ## Images ![The Medici (Italian Histories) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vpaUBq4ML.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rise and Fall of the Godfathers of the Renaissance *by V***N on March 23, 2026* This book is amazing. It is not just a biography of the Medici family, but a vivid history of the Renaissance, covering about 250 years of Medici influence and the transformation of European civilization. Strathern introduces a whole world of artists, thinkers, and scientists — Brunelleschi, Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Copernicus, Galileo, and more. The Medici rise from cautious bankers to godfathers of a cultural revolution, while the Florentine florin becomes a trusted currency that helps lay the foundations of modern capitalism. What stood out most for me is how alive the people feel. Lorenzo the Magnificent appears not only as a ruler but also as a musician, poet, athlete, and philosopher, while Cosimo de’ Medici struggles with guilt over usury as he reads Plato late into the night. The rivalry between Leonardo and Michelangelo, and small human details like Cosimo stopping an important meeting to carve a flute for his grandson, make the history very human and memorable. The book also explains the bigger picture: how Europe spent centuries in intellectual darkness, how ancient knowledge survived in the Middle East, and how the rediscovery of classical texts helped spark humanism and modern science. From Brunelleschi’s dome to Galileo’s “book of Nature,” Strathern shows why the conflict between the Church and science was almost inevitable. By the end, the decline of the Medici feels tragic. Florence, once a center of power and creativity, becomes just a chapter in history; the Medici even help trigger the Protestant Reformation through the sale of indulgences. The book does not hide the darker side: massacres, corruption, and ruthless political tactics. The writing style can be demanding — it is closer to academic history than to a novel — but if you enjoy detailed history and ideas, it is absolutely worth the effort. This book changed how I see the Renaissance, the birth of modern science, and the tension between our spiritual values and political reality. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A brisk and helpful read *by J***T on December 2, 2023* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fascinating Look at the Italian Renaissance *by M***H on August 18, 2024* 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. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hr/products/25675608-the-medici-italian-histories](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/25675608-the-medici-italian-histories) --- *Product available on Desertcart Croatia* *Store origin: HR* *Last updated: 2026-07-12*