Renaissance People

"History is more than dates and abstract concepts: it arises from the lives of countless men and women. This fascinating book highlights nearly 100 notable lives from between 1400 and 1600. Through these brief biographies, over-arching patterns of the Renaissance emerge. Some names are famous – Leonardo, Luther, Lorenzo de’ Medici and Machiavelli – but others will be new to many readers: wily politicians, eccentric scientists, fiery rebels and stolid reactionaries, as well as a pornographer, an acrobat, an actress and a star comedian."--