Beyond Bankers: A Book Review of The Medici by Paul Strathern

provincialmills
Oct 1
2 min read

Title: The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance

Author: PAUL STRATHERN

Genre: History

Memorable Passages:

While this book is about the Medici family, what I loved most was the detailed information about iconic figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo. The author provides a vivid look into what these great minds were going through, and how the Medici family financially supported, encouraged, and even protected them from the Catholic Church.

Book Cover of The Medici by Payl Strathern

What is it about?

Before reading this book, my knowledge of the Medici was pretty limited—maybe 10% of what it should have been. I only knew about them from the perspective of their rivals, like the English and French, who often painted them in a negative light. This book completely changed my perspective and significantly increased my understanding of the family's true impact.

The book provides a comprehensive history of the Medici family and their central role in the Italian Renaissance. It goes beyond the family itself to explore other prominent Italian families, as well as the popes and cardinals of the time. You also get introduced to the major European rulers who were contemporaries of the Medici.

What I Liked

There’s so much to like about this book, from the author's writing style to the rich content. While you might think there’s only so much to say about the Medici, the author goes into great detail about the individual artists, inventors, and musicians they influenced. The Medici touched the lives of so many during their time, and it was fascinating to see how they supported such a massive cultural movement.

Most people think of the Medici as just a wealthy banking family, and they were, but this book shows they were so much more. They didn't start the Renaissance, but their financial and political support was crucial. They embraced and championed the arts, making them a driving force behind one of the most significant periods in European history. They weren’t just some faceless, powerful family—they were a vital part of the story.

What I Didn't Like

Honestly, there’s only one thing I didn't like, and it’s a minor point: the author’s verbiage. Sometimes he uses complicated words that disrupt the flow of the narrative, forcing you to stop and look up definitions. While I prefer a more conversational style that’s easy to read, this is a small issue because the book is otherwise so well-written and engaging.

Final Overall Rating

This is not simply an average of the previous 3 ratings, but its own rating about how all the separate pieces came together and if it is worth your time to read it!