Italy in the Golden Centuries

A colorful account of the Renaissance, that incredibly creative period in which Italy gave form to a style of life still being followed, "Italy in the Golden Centuries" is also a fascinating reappraisal of some of the leading Renaissance figures: - Frederick II, the Emperor who spent his life trying to give shape to a recalcitrant empire - Boniface VII, the blasphemous Pope whose fondness for ladies was only equaled by his fondness for men - Dante, the grim genius who designed a master-plan for Hell and peopled it with his acquaintances - Datini, an anonymous Renaissance businessman who accumulated millions "in the name of God and profit" - and many others.