Is anyone else reading Murder of a Medici Princess, published this year, by Caroline Murphy? I'm about half-way thru it and it's quite good. While the title gives away the book's climax (I assume), the story is riveting and backed up by much research.

The Medicis are a vast clan and their relationships very confusing--at least to me, a newcomer to the topic. This book picks out one significant figure--Isabella--in one significant line of the clan--her father, Cosimo, the first duke--and tells her story in a clear and riveting manner. It's making much about the Medicis clear and comprehensible to me.

Aside from being a good read, I feel I will understand many of the sights of Florence, from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Vasari Corridor to the various Medici villas, from having read this book. Would enjoy hearing others' thoughts, if anyone has read it yet.

We toured the Vasari Corridor a couple of years ago, so I am really interested in the book.

Found it on Amazon and have placed it in my cart for purchase.

I will be interested in your impressions.

Nancy

Thanks for the recommendation, Ginny. I hadn't heard of the book, but just put in a request to our library.

- Roz

I saw that book on the shelf yesterday and almost picked it up.

But I've got 8 unfinished books on my nightstand right now.

I don't know this book, but if its in the time of the first Duke, that's quite late in the Medici family history.

Check out "The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall" by Christopher Hibbert for the actual rise to power of the family, its a highly readable book which starts from Cosimo (father of Lorenzo the Magnificent) in the Republican period, and follows the family fortunes as they climb from merchants to backroom boys to popes and kings. A good background to Florence

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to get it. Also check our April Blood by Lauro Martines. ---Marlene