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Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de' Medici | 
 enlarge | Author: Miles J. Unger
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Category: Book
List Price: $32.00
Buy New: $9.14
You Save: $22.86 (71%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  7 reviews
Sales Rank: 91771
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 528
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.7
ISBN: 0743254341
Dewey Decimal Number: 945.51105092
EAN: 9780743254342
ASIN: 0743254341
Publication Date: May 6, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW!
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Magnifico is a vividly colorful portrait of Lorenzo de' Medici, the uncrowned ruler of Florence during its golden age. A true "Renaissance man," Lorenzo dazzled contemporaries with his prodigious talents and magnetic personality. Known to history as Il Magnifico (the Magnificent), Lorenzo was not only the foremost patron of his day but also a renowned poet, equally adept at composing philosophical verses and obscene rhymes to be sung at Carnival. He befriended the greatest artists and writers of the time -- Leonardo, Botticelli, Poliziano, and, especially, Michelangelo, whom he discovered as a young boy and invited to live at his palace -- turning Florence into the cultural capital of Europe. He was the leading statesman of the age, the fulcrum of Italy, but also a cunning and ruthless political operative. Miles Unger's biography of this complex figure draws on primary research in Italian sources and on his intimate knowledge of Florence, where he lived for several years. Lorenzo's grandfather Cosimo had converted the vast wealth of the family bank into political power, but from his earliest days Lorenzo's position was precarious. Bitter rivalries among the leading Florentine families and competition among the squabbling Italian states meant that Lorenzo's life was under constant threat. Those who plotted his death included a pope, a king, and a duke, but Lorenzo used his legendary charm and diplomatic skill -- as well as occasional acts of violence -- to navigate the murderous labyrinth of Italian politics. Against all odds he managed not only to survive but to preside over one of the great moments in the history of civilization. Florence in the age of Lorenzo was a city of contrasts, of unparalleled artistic brilliance and unimaginable squalor in the city's crowded tenements; of both pagan excess and the fire-and-brimstone sermons of the Dominican preacher Savonarola. Florence gave birpth to both the otherworldly perfection of Botticelli's Primavera and the gritty realism of Machiavelli's The Prince. Nowhere was this world of contrasts more perfectly embodied than in the life and character of the man who ruled this most fascinating city.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Brilliant man, ok book October 8, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Not exactly the most engaging biography I've ever read, which is a pity because the man featured in the story is one of the most charismatic and influential figures of the entire Renaissance. Still, makes for a good enough reading, and the author does manage to convey some of the flavor of what Florence (and, to a lesser extent, Italy) was like in the 1400s. Particularly well done is the part of the book that covers the so-called Pazzi conspiracy against Lorenzo (known as Il Magnifico), as well as the recounting of his complex dealings with various Popes. Note that Lorenzo died when Columbus made his voyage to America, and that one of the Popes he battled against presided (unwittingly, one presumes) over the schism that led to the Protestant Reformation. Interesting times indeed...
 convoluted narrative history September 20, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This biography is difficult to follow. It starts off in 1466 with a 17 year old Lorenzo traveling to Florence to address some political crisis. Then the author jumps back and forth in a very confusing manner talking about Lorenzo's father and grandfather, Piero and Cosimo. It was difficult for me to remember where in time I was at any given moment. I understand the need to give background information but it was done in a very disorganized manner (at least to this reader). To top it off, six chapters later we're still with Lorenzo and he hasn't even reached Florence yet! Perhaps someone who is very familiar with the Medicis won't find this so disorienting but for a layman like me I just thought it very confusing.
 Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de' Medici August 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Miles J. Unger's "Magnifico" is a fascinating narrative about one of the most powerful and influental figures in renaissance Italy and in the history of Europe. Although there are several books on the subject, I found "Magnifico", with it's detailed focus on the everyday-life of the uncrowned ruler of Florence the most interesting and enjoyable to read. I was amazed by the level of detail in this book. Unger focuses heavily on the subject's personality: From his taste in horses, banquets and women (or men), to his favourite tuscan villas where he spent much of his time writing poetry. We are also introduced to the lesser-known Lorenzo, with the author revealing his wickedness and disabilities, as a failure in heading the inherited familydriven bank-empire, which eventually paved the way for his son, "Piero the Unfortunate". In this, Unger succeeds in providing an excellent account on Lorenzo's double life as a young playboy-prince, diplomat and shrewd politician on one side, and the benign, unsecure poet and family-man on the other side. The author underlines how Lorenzo affected everyday-life of Florence and Tuscany, both political and cultural as a the leading statesman and patron of the arts, turning Florence into a great power on the Italian peninsula, and an international exporter of renaissance culture. The book is not only a biography, it also provides the reader with a brief topic on both Florence's turbulent history and the Meidici's road to power beginning with Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici in late 14th century.
A Magnificent account of a Magnificent life August 5, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
Magnifico: The LIfe and Times of Lorenzo de' Medici July 28, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
"Magnifico" is the sixth and most interesting book I've read this summer on Florence and the Renaissiance. The author's writing style is flowing and an easy read. However, more than any of the other books I've read on this topic, this one captured the essence of the times. It is fascinating that some of the most brilliant artists in the Western World flurished during such a chaotic social and political period. Although scholars disagree on the importance of Lorenzo in encouraging such artists as Michelangelo and Donatello, this book emphasizes the sheer personal power and intellect of a man who managed to hold together a family empire while fostering all forms of art, writing, and philosophical investigation in the midst of political uncertainty.
You don't have to be a scholar to enjoy this book. It paints an entertaining, colorful picture of a great man in turbulent times who made his mark forever in history. Definitely worth your time.
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