{"title":"Patrick Boucheron","description":"\u003cp\u003ePatrick Boucheron is a renowned historian whose works delve deep into the intricate layers of human civilization. With a focus on European history, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Boucheron offers readers a vivid portrayal of how past societies have shaped our modern world. His expertise allows him to explore a diverse range of topics, from the subtle nuances of historical imagery to the grand shifts in political and social paradigms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Power of Images\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the highlights in his collection, offering a compelling examination of the influential role of visual representation throughout history. Boucheron's insightful writing bridges the gap between the past and present, making history accessible and engaging for both scholars and casual readers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're an avid history enthusiast or a newcomer eager to expand your understanding of historical dynamics, Patrick Boucheron's books are an invaluable resource. His works not only educate but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the complex tapestry of human history.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-power-of-images-by-patrick-boucheron-9781509512904","title":"The Power of Images","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere can the danger be lurking? Two soldiers are huddled together, one gazing up at the sky, the other darting a sideward glance. They derive a tacit reassurance from their weapons, but they are both, in their different ways, alone and scared. They were painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, and they seem symptomatic of a state of emergency: the year was 1338, and the spectre of the signoria, of rule by one man, was abroad in the city, undermining the very idea of the common good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, distinguished historian Patrick Boucheron uncovers the rich social and political dimensions of the iconic ‘Fresco of Good Government’. He guides the reader through Lorenzetti’s divided city, where peaceful prosperity and leisure sit alongside the ever-present threats of violence, war and despotism. Lorenzetti’s painting reminds us crucially that good government is not founded on the wisdom of principled or virtuous rulers. Rather, good government lies in the visible and tangible effects it has on the lives of its citizens. By subjecting it to scrutiny, we may, at least for a while, be able to hold at bay the dark seductions of tyranny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom fourteenth-century Siena to the present, \u003ci\u003eThe Power of Images\u003c\/i\u003e shows the latent dangers to democracy when our perceptions of the common good are distorted and undermined. It will appeal to students and scholars in art history, politics, and the humanities, as well as to anyone interested in the nature of power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000807899372,"sku":"9781509512904","price":42.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12151293482725.jpg?v=1763306477"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/patrick-boucheron.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}