Mary Hollingsworth

The life and times of Catherine de' Medici, by renowned scholar of the Italian Renaissance Mary Hollingsworth. Catherine de' Medici lived her life at the storm centre of European and French politics in an age of religious conflict. Born to Lorenzo II, the Medici ruler of Florence, and married to a French prince by papal connivance at the age of...

'This forensic study of the Renaissance banking dynasty conjures up a world of art, literature, philosophy – and brutality' Telegraph 'Likely to become the standard work of reference on the members of the family that dominated Florence' TLS 'A lucid and beautifully illustrated family history' The Times Wealthy bankers, wise politicians, patrons of the arts, glittering dukes... so runs the...

Intrigue, double-dealing and conspiracy in the Eternal City. 'A fascinating narrative of the intermingling of secular and religious power.' New Statesman 'A highly enjoyable and thrilling read... Hollingsworth has peeled back the veil of secrecy surrounding papal conclaves.' History Today 'Full of lively detail and colour.' Literary Review August 1559. As the long hot Italian summer draws to its close,...

A fresh telling of the rise and fall of the House of Medici, the family that dominated political and cultural life in Florence for three centuries. 'This forensic study of the Renaissance banking dynasty conjures up a world of art, literature, philosophy – and brutality' Telegraph 'Likely to become the standard work of reference on the members of the family...

A Financial Times Book of the Year ‘Thoroughly researched.’ Sunday Times ‘To be devoured.’ Philip Mansel 'This book is a treat for fans of well-told history.' Washington Post History is rarely kind to women of power, but few have had their reputations quite so brutally shredded as Catherine de' Medici. In this new biography of the most powerful woman in...