Customer Reviews

Public Life in Renaissance Florence (Cornell Paperbacks)

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This is an excellent book: thorough in coverage and so well written that one need not be an academic scholar to enjoy and learn from it. Trexler's research labor is not evident in the writing but in the wealth of information that brings this most significant period of time and place to life. It is, moreover, a fine example of new history, meaning of real people going about daily life rather than kings, wars, and social upheavals.

Covering vaguely the 1300s-1600s, this exhaustive work concerns itself with how society's public spectacles and ceremonies changed over time and why. I can't say enough about how amazing Trexler's accomplishments are. Though the writing itself scatters occasionally, the information here is invaluable. Religion, sex, and politics were massively intertwined with public display through marriage, childrearing, political meetings and lawmaking, and even in the seemingly innocent displays like snowball fights between noble-born teenagers! Legislation especially touched upon facets of life like what someone could wear and who someone could have sex with. Homosexuality itself is covered in detail--how society's seeming hypocrisy between attitudes and practice can be reconciled. The very spiritual nature of Florentines, both regarding Christian and "magical" behaviors and mindsets. Jousts, church dedications, ambassadorial visits, voting days, saints' feast days, engagements, and more all combined to create a rich, thriving public world for Florentines. To learn more about how Florentines created their public world, get this book. I can't say enough about it.

Chapters cover how Florentines viewed the human body, time and space, and the transitions from one stage of life to another; rituals involving friendship and family members; public displays regarding celebrations; and especially religious and spiritual ceremonies and displays.

One thing which researchers will especially like about this book is its extensive primary source citation. Footnoted and boasting a good bibliography and index, this book will be a valuable part of your research library.