The Medici

<p><b>A dazzling piece of Italian history of the infamous family that become one of the most powerful in Europe weaving its history with Renaissance greats from Leonardo da Vinci to Galileo</b><br><br>Against the background of an age which saw the rebirth of ancient and classical learning The Medici is a remarkably modern story of power money and ambition. Strathern paints a vivid narrative of the 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. <br><br>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' M&#233;dicis who became Queen of France and played a major role in that country through three turbulent reigns. <br><br><b>&#145;A great overview of one family's centuries-long role in changing the face of Europe&#146; <i>Irish Independent</i></b></p>