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"'Unger's diligent scholarship combines with an impelling narrative to give a full-bodied flavor of the splendors as well as the horrors of Lorenzo's remarkable reign.' Ross King, author of Brunelleschi's Dome and Machiavelli"
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A brilliant and ruthless statesman, Lorenzo de’ Medici’s dexterous wielding of power helped nurture the Italian Renaissance. A statesman, scholar, poet and philosopher, Lorenzo was a generous and discerning patron to many of the most creative minds of this most creative age. But despite this, he lived surrounded by almost constant violence, and much of his genius was devoted to the art of survival in a world where the dagger was wielded as deftly as the painter’s brush or sculptor’s chisel. Through the pages of this fascinating biography walk many giants who benefited from Medici patronage: Botticelli, Fra Lippo Lippi, da Vinci and the teenage prodigy Michelangelo, whom Lorenzo discovered and raised almost as his own son. Other colourful characters include the grasping Pope Sixtus IV and the fiery preacher Savonarola, as well as great political leaders of the age including Lorenzo’s grandfather, the shrewd and subtle Cosimo. For lovers of both cultural and political history, Magnifico is the best account currently available on the life of one of most influential man of the Italian Renaissance. ‘Unger's diligent scholarship combines with an impelling narrative to give a full-bodied flavor of the splendors as well as the horrors of Lorenzo's remarkable reign.’ Ross King, author of Brunelleschi's Dome and Machiavelli Miles J. Unger is a contributing writer for The New York Times and his work has appeared in numerous publications in the US.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is an absorbing account of one of history's greatest characters. Unger brings to life not only Lorenzo de' Medici, the man, but the rich fabric of Renaissance Florence with all its colours, contours and unsurpassed creativity. Written for the general reader, Magnifico is a fantastic primer for anyone who wants to learn more about these turbulent times and their most influential leaders. And for fans of historical fiction writers, such as Dorothy Dunnett in particular, the book provides a wealth of background information and personalities sketches that show up in her fictionalised and composite narratives. In fact, when Unger describes the bloody plot that threatened Lorenzo's life and claimed that of his brother, the book reads like a historical page-turner.
One volume histories of figures who have already inspired tomes of scholarly (and not so scholoraly) writing are often dismissed as simple rewrites. Unger's book is far from this. It provides insights and analysis based on solid research and a great eye for detail. I would recommend this book to all who share a love of the great characters of history and the Renaissance in particular.
One volume histories of figures who have already inspired tomes of scholarly (and not so scholoraly) writing are often dismissed as simple rewrites. Unger's book is far from this. It provides insights and analysis based on solid research and a great eye for detail. I would recommend this book to all who share a love of the great characters of history and the Renaissance in particular.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
For people with a penchant for history, this is a must-read. Unfortunately, many people think of history as an interminable sequence of military conflicts, which, to a large extent it is. However, there are those chapters of history that focus on other momentous milestones. Lorenzo and his family have been, without any shadow of doubt, the biggest sponsors of art and culture in human history. If you're interested to learn how all this came about, buy the book.
It was also refreshing to read a book written by an American with an excellent grasp of English - so rare these days.
It was also refreshing to read a book written by an American with an excellent grasp of English - so rare these days.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This biography is near flawless and brilliantly researched. Anyone with an interest in the Italian Renaissance would find this book a brilliant addition to their library. The life of Lorenzo really does match any Hollywood fiction and the great artists, popes and dukes are rendered by Unger with excellent detail. The biography is rounded and fair, whilst explaining the nuances of Florentine life and politics very clearly for any audience to access with ease. I can't recommmend this book highly enough!
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