Masters of the Renaissance

by Jim Weiss (artist)

In true stories as vivid as the colors in which they painted, Jim Weiss brings to life Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Donatello and other captivating characters.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Nonfiction

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an audio story we listened to in the car. I'm pretty sure that Jim Weiss will be one of the most memorable voices from my boys childhood. He is such a great story teller, and we thoroughly enjoyed these stories about some of the major figures of the Renaissance.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how many different ways I can come up with to say, "Jim Weiss's audiobooks are good." So for today, I'll leave it at that.

[Mindy Casto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good - a great starting point for sparking interest in the Renaissance and some of the big names. I only had a couple critiques -
1.) Twice, Weiss says that Leonardo "rolled up" the Mona Lisa to carry it with him. This was physically impossible, given that it's painted on wood, not canvas. I know that this was not intended to be a strict reference work, and that the dialogue is heavily fictionalized. But if a mistake (or maybe Weiss knew it was wrong, but liked the visual? I don't know!) like this can be included, it makes me wonder what else is incorrect.
2.) I made a mental drinking game out of the number of times Weiss used the word "masterpiece."

Other than those two things - one big, one small - I thought it was a very interesting work that covered a lot of the most important names of the period, taught some history, and would definitely encourage people to seek out more information.
(And I loved the very last note at the end - head to your local library to learn more!)

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Weiss is a great story teller.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

02/10 Here's where I have to begin parting ways with Jim Weiss. His PROTESTant view of history begins to show itself in his telling of the Medici saga as well as in his portrayal of Catholic clergy during the painting of "The Last Supper."

Michael Medved noted that Hollywood now portrays priests and Catholic clergy in a dark, weaselly way. This is the same for Weiss on this CD. We do need to be taught about dark times in the Church, but such teaching should not come from a "superior, looking-back, WE are so better than that," perspective.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like listening to a decent college lecture on the period, although the voicing of the characters was a detriment to the overall delivery. Knew most of this before, but a little refresher is always a good thing. A few new tidbits though. It is amazing what some of these geniuses produced and their long-lasting influence on generations, all the way down to our time. I can't imagine the world without Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, the Pieta, the David's, ands the Sistine Chapel murals.