The Medici

Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance

By: Paul Strathern

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

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. Interwoven into the narrative are 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.

In his enthralling study, Strathern also follows the fortunes of those members of the Medici family who achieved success away from Florence, including the two Medici popes and Catherine de' Medici, who became queen of France and played a major role in that country through three turbulent reigns.

©2016 Paul Strathern (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A fantastically comprehensive history covering the breadth of the great learning, art, politics, and religion of the period." ( Kirkus)

Derek Perkins is the voice of Heaven

Strathern offers a comprehensive account of the Medici, the political and cultural conditions that made their rise possible, and the effects they had on the Florentine Renaissance. Though it ends a bit abruptly (an epilogue reflecting on the family's greater significance would have been welcome) there's enough here to fill in the gaps for those who study the artists, scientists, or political figures of the era in isolation. In all, a very good book.

Derek Perkins was a wonderful choice as narrator. This is another great performance by a true virtuoso of the medium. I highly recommend.

Before Your Trip

The history of Florence is entwined with the powerful Medici’s. I found this book interesting and insightful, read just before a return trip to Florence. Interesting to read and visit areas described including Venice’s Medici. The author has a positive but somewhat balanced view of the Medici.
Enjoy if you like renaissance history.

Reads like a novel

Well written and interesting. Enjoyable narration. I enjoyed this one a lot. I may listen to it again.

Excellent

Well narrated. Thorough in depth review of medici family and history of the times in which the lives. Highly recommend

Very insightful

Well documented story which puts Italian history and famous people in perspective. Wars and personalities come and go and the connections become more obvious in that flow of history instead of the isolated snippets that most histories consist of. Well worth the long read.

Really good history not quite great

Solid 4 star History book about the rise of the Medici from merchant class to pope to European royalty then to the end of the dynasty/bloodline. Got a little long during the middle otherwise 5 ⭐️

Very good book.

This is the Best book I’ve read on the Medici family!! It includes all the historical figures.

Great history.

Great detail. Great writing. Felt like a thriller as in “what comes next?” Love the tone.

Excellent detail and historical breath of knowledge

The author does a fantastic job of taking you through the multifarious influences of the Medici family throughout the course of generations. For anyone who enjoys history, art and culture this is a must read a book.

all around excellent

excellent narration, excellent story. I loved every second of this book and wanted more when it ended. it was like being back in my college humanities class, only better!