The Renaissance

A History of Civilization in Italy from 1304 - 1576 AD, The Story of Civilization, Volume 5

By: Will Durant

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

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

Worth every minute

I bought this book before my 3rd trip to Italy. I honestly thought I'd only listen to some of it. I listened to the entire 35 hours and learned more than I've learned from any book since college. I listened to many chapters twice so I could retain the information or synthesize what I was learning with what I already knew. The reader is excellent and the writing is thoughtful, analytical but also surprisingly entertaining. Anyone who loves history and wants to get a grand overview of this remarkable time in history should read this book.

Fascinating Journey through the Renaissance

I’m so happy to have found Will Durant’s series on the history of civilization. This volume recounts the events of the Renaiissance from Leonardo to Michelangelo and the transformation of Europe through the 14th to 16th Centuries. This aeries turns my commutes into a virtual lecture hall. Thanks, Audible!

Another perfect classic

The best so far in the series. Durant puts together another literary masterpiece. He and Ariel are among the titans of civilization that he writes about. Volume 5 is a work of art like the statue of David, the Mona lisa, the school of Athens.

Great addition to the series

I did not expect much from this volume which made this one extra special. There is so much here that touches the soul and informs what it means to be human, chiefly, with the development of humanism, contrasted against some of the most vicious and dark periods in human history. The people that are covered are magnificent, the political and spiritual battles fought in the hearts and minds and hands of the people are on par with ancient Greece and ancient Rome. The context for the national union of the Italian kingdoms into an Italian state is heartbreaking. During the period of the Renaissance, civilization was being built anew. Notable achievements covered are the formation of modern European culture, religion, decency, etiquette, art, science, and medicine.

well written well read

it is very long but the amount of detail is part of allure of Durant's books. he can always be counted on for a humorous turn of phrase while still giving you the history as best as he knew it at the time