«In a clear and lively style, Maxson weaves together the story of Florence’s art, architecture, literature, and history, providing a truly interdisciplinary view of the city’s development into a jewel of the Renaissance and its subsequent shift into a regional state in early modern Italy. The result offers a new synthesis to scholars, a useful introduction to students, and a compelling narrative for the general reader. A stunning achievement!»

Monique O'Connell, Professor of History, Wake Forest University, USA

«In this deeply researched and elegantly written book, Brian Maxson offers a portrait of Florentine history which is as compelling as it is comprehensive. Covering an extraordinary range of topics, he conveys the full richness of the city’s past with masterly authority, while imparting its fascination with an infectious charm.»

Alexander Lee, Author of Machiavelli: His Life and Times, University of Warwick, UK

«In this highly accessible book, Maxson effortlessly interweaves political, social, and cultural narratives of Florence’s history, offering a comprehensive account of how a relatively small, insignificant city in central Italy came to wield an enduring cultural influence that far outweighed its political and economic limitations.»

Nicholas Scott Baker, Associate Professor of History, Macquarie University, Australia

«[B]rief, fast-paced ... copious notes [and] an extensive bibliography»

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