The Bookseller of Florence : Vespasiano da Bisticci and the Manuscripts that Illuminated the Renaissance

Author(s): King, Dr Ross,
Binding: Paperback,
Date of Publication: 07/04/2022,
Pagination: 496 pages,
Series: N/A,
Imprint: Vintage,
Published By: Vintage Publishing,
Book Classification: Italy
Dimensions: 131 x 196 x 34mm
Weight: 408g
ISBN13\EAN\SKU: 9781784709372

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'A marvel of storytelling and a masterclass in the history of the book' WALL STREET JOURNALThe Renaissance in Florence conjures images of beautiful frescoes and elegant buildings - the dazzling handiwork of the city's artists and architects. But equally important were geniuses of another kind: Florence's manuscript hunters, scribes, scholars and booksellers. At a time where all books were made by hand, these people helped imagine a new and enlightened world.

At the heart of this activity was a remarkable bookseller: Vespasiano da Bisticci. His books were works of art in their own right, copied by talented scribes and illuminated by the finest miniaturists. With a client list that included popes and royalty, Vespasiano became the 'king of the world's booksellers'. But by 1480 a new invention had appeared: the printed book, and Europe's most prolific merchant of knowledge faced a formidable new challenge.

'A spectacular life of the book trade's Renaissance man' JOHN CAREY, SUNDAY TIMES