History of the Florentine People, Vol. 1: Books I-IV

by Leonardo Bruni, James Hankins (Translator)

Leonardo Bruni (1370–1444), the leading civic humanist of the Italian Renaissance, served as apostolic secretary to four popes (1405–1414) and chancellor of Florence (1427–1444). He was famous in his day as a translator, orator, and historian, and was the best-selling author of the fifteenth century. Bruni’s History of the Florentine People in twelve books is generally considered the first modern work of history, and was widely imitated by humanist historians for two centuries after its official publication by the Florentine Signoria in 1442. This edition makes it available for the first time in English translation.

Genres: History, Italy, Nonfiction

544 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 2001

About the author

Leonardo Bruni was an Italian humanist, historian and statesman, often recognized as the most important humanist historian of the early Renaissance. He has been called the first modern historian.

Reviews

[Hannah Trower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This volume brings the history of the Florentine people from antiquity to 1311. Bruni sure can write and develop a historical narrative (though I'd verify his facts and biases before taking any of it as gospel). It does get dry at points, but Bruni is extremely talented at writing stirring speeches from the various parties.

[Chloe Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books I-IV helped me better understand the historical friction between the different Tuscan fractions, regions, and territories. A bit dry at times but definitely helped me grasp the deep-seeded beef between the Tuscan fractions back in the Medieval Ages.