Learning About the Italian Renaissance

[biggamer132]

I've always been an admirer of Renaissance Florence and Italy in general, having visited there a couple of years ago. Having recently had the opportunity to play Assassin's Creed II has re-kindled my interest in the area and the time period. I know that a lot of posters here have read a lot of history books, and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for good books about the Italian Renaissance, Medici Florence, the Italian Wars, etc.

Greatly appreciate it.

 

[Ajidica]

Well, you could rean Machiavellis 'The Prince' for politics and contemporary thought. For a less moraly ambiguous view of the Italian Reniassance, try 'The Courtier' by Castiligone IIRC. It contains more how one should act rather than Machiavellis win at all costs mentality.
As for history books of that time, I can't help you there as my interest is mainly concentrated in the early middle ages and early modern periods.

 

[biggamer132]

Well, you could rean Machiavellis 'The Prince' for politics and contemporary thought. For a less moraly ambiguous view of the Italian Reniassance, try 'The Courtier' by Castiligone IIRC. It contains more how one should act rather than Machiavellis win at all costs mentality.
As for history books of that time, I can't help you there as my interest is mainly concentrated in the early middle ages and early modern periods.

I remembered Machiavelli after I posted this thread but I hadn't heard of Castiglione. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Karalysia]

Vaugely related I need a 15th-century (c.1400-1520) Italian painting from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to analyze. Preferably one thats easy to analyze, any recommendations?

 

[Sofista]

I've always been an admirer of Renaissance Florence and Italy in general, having visited there a couple of years ago. Having recently had the opportunity to play Assassin's Creed II has re-kindled my interest in the area and the time period. I know that a lot of posters here have read a lot of history books, and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for good books about the Italian Renaissance, Medici Florence, the Italian Wars, etc.

Greatly appreciate it.

The basic study on the Renaissance is Burckhardt's.