I Medici: Storia di una dinastia europea

by Franco Cesati

I Medici sono la più celebre e prestigiosa famiglia Italiana, non foss'altro perché il loro nome è legato in modo indissolubile alla storia di Firenze, città simbolo del periodo più splendido attraversato dalla penisola. Ancora oggi per la gran parte degli europei, e non soltanto per loro, pensare all'Italia significa pensare a Firenze e alla Toscana, dove si raccolgono quegli inestimabili tesori d árte che non smettono di esercitare in enorme fascino su milioni di visitatori.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Italy, Art, Travel, Renaissance, France

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Martin Iguaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente y didáctico libro de historia sobre una de las dinastías más prominentes del Renacimiento. Cuando uno piensa en el Renacimiento, naturalmente nos viene a la cabeza Da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, la capilla Sixtina y tantas obras de arte, pero solemos olvidar quienes eran los patrones de esos artistas y científicos. Los Medici fueron una dinastía ilustrada, cuya historia se entrelaza inevitablemente con el Renacimiento. El libro está escrito de forma sencilla y de fácil lectura.
Lo recomiendo para los interesados en historia europea de los siglos XIV a XVIII: mucho se habla de Juego de Tronos, pero los Medici no se quedaban atrás para nada: su historia está repleta de asesinatos, intrigas, guerras, tragedias y revoluciones.

[Yann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je me suis régalé! A mon avis, c'est tout simplement le livre le plus captivant et le plus instructif que j'ai pu lire sur l'histoire de l'Italie à la Renaissance. C'est une très excellente introduction au sujet.

L'histoire politique des États peut parfois ennuyer quand elle s'apparente à un catalogue de roi, de dates et de batailles. Ici, on a comme une suite de biographies, avec d'excellentes, succinctes mais denses explications qui mettent en perspective les tenants et aboutissants des forces politique à l’œuvre.

L'auteur ne se perd pas dans un labyrinthe d'érudition; il va à l'essentiel. J'ai aussi trouvé le traitement équilibré et neutre: on peut lire sereinement sans bondir à chaque page à cause d'une présentation étrange ou paradoxale.

On couvre ainsi insensiblement plusieurs siècles d'histoire d'Italie, de France et d'Espagne avec des personnages hauts en couleurs, de magnifiques réalisations, de terribles revers et catastrophes, mais toujours un rythme vif et alerte.

Enfin, l'ouvrage est vraiment superbement illustré en couleur. Le lecteur arrive ainsi presque sans efforts à apercevoir le synoptique remarquable d'une part glorieuse de l'histoire de la ville de Florence.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprei este livro em Florença, nos Uffizi, porque senti necessidade de aprender mais sobre os Medici, cuja história desconhecia, e não queria comprar trinta biografias diferentes. Posso dizer que o objectivo foi totalmente cumprido. O autor consegue explicar de forma breve e apelativa a história do governo de cada membro desta casa, desde Cosme o Velho até ao último grão-duque da Toscana, não ignorando o contexto internacional, mas não sendo, também, fastidioso. Só o princípio, antes dos Medici, é que achei um pouco apressado. O livro dá também bastante importância às várias mulheres da casa dos Medici, e chega a dedicar secções completas aos governos de Catarina e Maria de Medici, o que me agradou muito e põe em evidência o legado da sua última descendente, Ana Maria de Lorena, que desconhecia por completo. Houve foi ali uma tentativa de branquear a figura de Alessandro Medici, dizendo que era filho de uma escrava eslava (????), quando ele era conhecido como o mouro, filho de una escrava africana.
Só leva quatro estrelas porque a tradução é péssima, e vai piorando, quem a fez não pode ser português nativo (apesar de ter um nome português?) e não houve revisão, certamente. Mas entende-se suficientemente bem para não se tornar muito penoso, ou então fui eu que gostei muito do livro.

[Mitchell Freitas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great breeze through of the history of one of Europe’s greatest dynasties. I was familiar with a lot of the rise and fall of the Medici, but this was a great way to dive a little deeper. So much drama and tragedy lining every generation of a family that would impact Europe and the world as we know it!

[Carmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a long weekend in Florence I devoured this fascinating account of the Medici dynasty on the plane home. From sponsoring artists to commissioning pieces, nurturing great talent such as Michaelangelo and building some of the beautiful, opulent buildings I explored in Florence, it's astonishing just how much one family influenced art, religion, culture and society throughout the world. And even Science: one Medici founded the precursor to the UK's Royal Society. I'm glad that I read this after seeing some of the artworks and buildings, as it helped ground the context and history I was absorbing, and it will make my next trip to Florence even richer.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encanta. Aunque sea un libro de historia es fácil de leer y muy interesante la vida de la dinastía.

[Laurli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The Medici history was very interesting (my favorite fun fact was learning that it was a Medici Pope in power that caused Martin Luther to post his 95 theses) and Cesati writes in a straight-forward yet engaging manner. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in European dynasties and their impact on history.

[Anibal · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the editor of the esteemed publishing house Mandragora and a renowned authority on Florentine history, Franco Cesati brings forth a wealth of knowledge and expertise in his latest endeavor. While his previous works have predominantly been academic in nature, this latest offering takes a different approach, catering specifically to the curious foreigner seeking an entry point into the labyrinthine world of the Medici family and, by extension, the captivating history of Florence itself.

Available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, Chinese, Portuguese, and Italian, this book serves as a universal beacon for those eager to uncover the secrets of one of Europe's most influential dynasties. Whether perusing Amazon's vast library or visiting the Museums of Florence website, readers will find an accessible resource tailored to their linguistic preferences.

Within its pages, readers are treated to a visual feast, with stunning photographs capturing the essence of Florence's architectural marvels, masterful paintings, and timeless statues. But beyond its aesthetic allure, the book delves deep into the intricate tapestry of the Medici lineage, tracing the family's two distinct branches and charting their tumultuous journey through the annals of history.

From triumphant victories to ignominious exiles, from political intrigue to domestic strife, the Medici saga is one replete with both triumphs and tragedies. Here, readers encounter a lineage of rulers both illustrious and flawed, their lives punctuated by moments of grandeur and moments of despair. It is a narrative that spans generations, encompassing tales of love and betrayal, ambition and treachery.

Yet, amidst the drama and intrigue, the Medici legacy endures as a testament to the indelible mark they left not only on Florence but on the broader canvas of European history. With two queens of France and two Popes among their ranks, the Medici's influence reverberated far beyond the confines of their beloved city-state.

In essence, Cesati's work serves as an invaluable primer for those embarking on a journey into the heart of Florentine history. With its captivating narrative and rich visual tapestry, it provides a compelling introduction to the Medici dynasty, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where art, politics, and power converge in a mesmerizing tableau.

[John Bowis · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Medici' conjures up the art and architecture of Florence and this short and well illustrated book highlights the Medici family collectors and patrons who gave us the Uffizi and Pitti treasures and the unforgettable paintings and sculptures of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Fra Angelica, Ucello and so many more, not to forget the scientists such as Galileo. The last was rescued from the wrath of the Vatican and the Vatican figures in Medici history both from its attempts to control an ever wider area of Italy and from the Medici nominations of their family to be Cardinals and sometimes Pope.
The family came from Apennine obscurity, ruled Florence for some three hundred years - sometimes using their great wealth benevolently and sometimes not - and then petered out in a somewhat dissolute haze and without heirs. It is a riveting story, with memorable characters and ultimately an unedifying closure - but with what a glorious outcome for us today!

[May Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing very little about this family historically other than in documentaries and popular fictionalization of the characters, I found this book enlightening. This great family has shaped so much of history that it's impossible not to be fascinated by their lives. This is a great launching pad to learn more about each individual character.

Should I find myself back in Italy, I'll have to remember that studying one or two of these might be a fascinating way to truly understand the art, architecture and more of the places.

[Diana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma excelente contextualização da influência dos Medici na história Europeia.
Sem dúvida um livro que recomendo a curiosos de história, residentes em Itália/Florença e viajantes que gostem de sentir as cidades e compreender o que está por detrás da sua cultura e arquitectura.
Para mim ler este livro após ter visitado Florença foi como comer a mousse do petit gateau depois de ter comido a massa, resumindo e baralhando, maravilhoso :)

[Persephone Abbott · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s hard, I know by experience, to write a guidebook. This one focused on the genealogy and the political strifes. A good choice but not well integrated. Further some of the photos were so small, it was hard to make out what I was supposed to see. I would have rather read a different take on the Medici family, a less general one. Although this one does try hard to inform the reader of the overall picture.

[Mariela Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book in Florence and it gave me a wonderful insight on the story of the city itself. Though, I felt a little bit in a rush towards the end, as it is not as detailed as the beginning.

The translation can be improved, sometimes there's a mix between the actual Italian names and the translation of them, making it a bit confusing.

[Balla Zsofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not extremely detailed, this book gives you a very good insight about the Medici family and Florence in general. There are a lot of painting and statues included with explanation and how they relate to the story.
I recommend reading this book if you were or plan to go to Florence and see all the arts and buildings with your own eyes.

[David Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. The book is divided into chapters covering different generations of the Medici. Coherent account of the history of the family, lots of characters, but you are helped by a chart of the family tree. I liked the way they showed art on almost every page to relate to the story. History mixed with art is always interesting.

[Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

While traveling in Florence I bought this book to get a better idea of what I was seeing in the museums, palaces and even along the streets. It took quite a while to read through the book and perhaps it had more detail than I was interested in, but in general it completed the ideas I had while traveling.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5.0

Short and sweet intro. Too dense with information for proper assimilation. Tried to combine history art religion et al in one synopsis. Narrower focus would have been easier to digest. Further reading advised.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro obrigatório para quem quer conhecer um pouco mais sobre a história de Florença durante o período de domínio dos Médici. Bem ilustrado. A parte da tradução para PT aparece com algumas lacunas que poderiam ser revistas.

[Pascal Lapointe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le livre passe au travers de l'histoire des Médicis à travers les époques.
Bien écrit et très intéressant pour ceux qui raffolent de l'histoire de cette famille de banquiers italiens.
Juste un peu trop "sec" comme lecture pour obtenir cinq étoiles.

[reveurdart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've ever read on the Medici family. Thorough and visually stunning. Highly recommended.

(Read in Italian, together with La Firenze segreta dei Medici)

[Leon Franklin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A história da família mais importante de Florença e uma das mais importantes e influentes do periodo da idade média europeia. Um livro que nos dá uma abordagem introdutória das dinâmicas políticas desta família, sem se perceber muito bem, como se tornou esta família este colosso, nem como desabou.

[Aimee Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book and was very detailed about the Medici dynasty. I look forward to visiting Florence in the future.

[Joaquim Alvarado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una imminent escapada a Florència m'ha servit com a excusa per a la lectura d'aquesta història de la família que va propiciar el que és aquesta ciutat avui en dia. Malgrat les seves dimensions, el llibre és prou dens i fa una descripció detallada dels diversos membres d'aquesta dinastia que governà Florència entre els segles XIV i XVIII. L'autor se'n surt bé a l'hora de descriure la política d'aliances i desavinences dels Medici amb altres ciutats italianes, amb el Papat, amb els grans imperis,... cosa que té un mèrit incalculable ja que entendre aquestes aliances té la seva complexitat. També prou correctes els moments referits a la vida personal (maneres de ser dels diferents membres, amants i bastards,...). I també molt interessant la part relativa a les dones que es van casar amb monarques europeus i la seva influència a les corts on anaren a parar. Divulgació ben feta.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breve, sintetico e chiaro. Seguire i risvolti non sempre limpidi della famiglia Medici non è facile, anche perchè spesso è un susseguirsi di nomi identici o quasi. L'ho apprezzato molto per aver chiarito alcune dinamiche, alcune storie e le alterne fortune dei parenti stretti di Lorenzo il Magnifico e soci.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise biography of one of the most powerful families in Renaissance Italy. Very simple, brief look at the important characters who built and expanded the Medici family wealth and who were responsible for supporting some of the most important art in the history of the world.

[Tosca Wijns-Van Eeden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more of this book. There were a lot of pictures and art in it, but hardly anything was said about it, also the chronology was a bit difficult to follow and actually VERY little information was given.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick highlight about each of the family members and their love affairs. I was hoping to understand more about why this family arose to such prominence and power to create an artistic revolution but alas, to no avail.

[Tittirossa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affascinante e veloce narrazione di una famiglia che ha dettato lo stato dell'arte e della politica per 200 anni a Firenze e in Europa. Un bell'albero genealogico non avrebbe guastato (tra rami cadetti e figli illegittimi non mi ci raccapezzo più).

[books, cats and coffees ☕️🍂 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ottimo per una breve panoramica sulla storia di una delle famiglie italiane più importanti e famose della storia. Non è un volume molto approfondito, ma offre spunti per poter proseguire ad un’ulteriore analisi ed approfondire le proprie conoscenze.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but a bit dull in places. Excellent for research purposes, however.