The House of Medici

Its Rise and Fall

De: Christopher Hibbert

Narrado por: Michael Page

At its height, Renaissance Florence was a center of enormous wealth, power, and influence. A republican city-state funded by trade and banking, its often bloody political scene was dominated by rich mercantile families, the most famous of which were the Medici. This enthralling book charts the family's huge influence on the political, economic, and cultural history of Florence. Beginning in the early 1430s with the rise of the dynasty under the near-legendary Cosimo de Medici, it moves through their golden era as patrons of some of the most remarkable artists and architects of the Renaissance, to the era of the Medici Popes and Grand Dukes, Florence's slide into decay and bankruptcy, and the end, in 1737, of the Medici line.

©1974 Christopher Hibbert (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A superb introduction to the history and arts created by one man's greed." (Books for Breakfast)

Great Overview / Fantastic Narrator

This is a compelling introductory to the Medici, the times in which they lived, their corruptions and contributions to Florence, and their drive to further their family legacy. I found this to be an easy read despite the many foreign names and personalities, and this was aided in no small measure from the absolutely superb Audible narration.
My only recommendation would be for the book to include a picture of the family tree and maps of Florence and Italy.

A Must Read for any Visitor to Florence

Hibbert presents the highs and lows, and everything in between,,of the Medicis in an authoritative and very entertaining way. A wonderful introduction to the wonders of Florence and the family responsible for much of it.

Very boring story

This was my summer reading book and I️ had to listen to this entire book the day before school started. The story was alright, I️ think it could’ve been written better so that it wasn’t basically like reading a textbook

A book for history buffs.

I would have loved to learn more about Catherine de Medici, the French regent. Fun stories to listen to.

No need for Hollywood here

A true picture of the Medici very much worth the time and an excellent performance


The Medici simple the truth... does not need Hollywood's lies to be entertaining