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  • The Renaissance

  • A History of Civilization in Italy from 1304 - 1576 AD, The Story of Civilization, Volume 5
  • Written by: Will Durant
  • Narrated by: Grover Gardner
  • Length: 37 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)

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The Renaissance cover art

The Renaissance

Written by: Will Durant
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's Summary

An engrossing volume on the Italian Renaissance by Pulitzer Prize - winning historian Will Durant

The fifth volume of Durant's acclaimed Story of Civilization,The Renaissance chronicles the history of Italy from1304 to 1576. In this masterful work, listeners will encounter

  • the poets Petrarch and Boccaccio, the fathers ofthe Renaissance;
  • the paintings, sculptures, and architecture ofMilan, Florence, and Venice;
  • the life and accomplishments of Leonardo DaVinci;
  • the Catholic church and the popes of Avignon and Rome;
  • the politicians and philosophers of Italy,including the Borgia family, Julius II, and Machiavelli;
  • the Italian Wars, the conflicts with France, and the country's decline.
©2014 Will Durant (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc

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Golden Age of Art

Will Durant takes a somewhat different format for this book owing to the Age. He deviates from the narrative based approach and focuses chapters on personalities and in doing so does justice to the incredible artists of the time.
If you are familiar even from the surface about the Renaissance and its characters, you will find this a beautiful read. I suggest getting familiar with the personalities of the time before going into the book to build anticipation. A person unfamiliar with this time period might find the short biographies of the characters uninteresting. But that's only because the age was concentrated with so many greats in just a single country.
Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and others fill us with wonder and admiration and patrons such as the Medicis and Sforzas along with statesmen and philosophers like Machiavelli reveal the thought of the age. The politics of the church through important figures like the Borgias, Savanarola, Julius II, Leo X and Clement VII explain the changing picture of religious figures, and their struggles with French, German and Spanish invaders paint a dramatic scene.
The book is divided into parts that explore the age through the powerful city states starting with Florence and Venice to the smaller states like Milan, Ferrara and Urbino and a large section for Rome.

It is a beautiful journey through a fascinating period of time in Italy when Ancient culture was being rediscovered, Christianity was merging with Paganism through paintings, sculptures and architecture, powerful families played politics with popes and foreign rulers alike, and all of whom played their role in the making of the greatest artists the world has ever seen. The book is as beautiful as the Golden Age of Art.

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A magnificent exploration of the Renaissance

The book offers a delightful journey through this transformative period in history. Durant's wit, humor, and profound wisdom shine through as he discusses a series of personalities - artists, princes, politicians, priests, and some thinkers of that age. while some sections may feel less engaging depending on personal interests, Durant's accessible and fun writing style keeps the audiobook enjoyable overall.

Gardener's narration is exceptional, truly capturing the essence of Durant's style, words, and spirit. His delivery makes it feel as if Durant himself is speaking, adding to the authenticity of experience. If you are fascinated by the cultural, economic and political aspects of the Renaissance, this book is highly recommended for a highly enriching and immersive experience!

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