Florence: The Biography of a City

Couldn’t love this outstanding book more - a wonderful study of a glorious and unique city. Not one for the suitcase or reading in bed due to its size and weight but I’ve loved reading it so much. Written with knowledge snd intelligence and illustrated throughout - plus maps, family trees and historical building glossary. Fab-u-las.

Fantastic book - well researched and very detailed and well worth the price. A must for anyone who is seriously interested in the history of Florence and will make a good introduction to anyone who plans to visit this lovely historic city.

A very good book

After visiting Florence, I had the same feelings about it that millions of other tourists must have. What is this place really? How did it start? How did they build that? When did that happen? Who was involved? etc.Hibbert appears to have collated all of these questions, and answered them with beautifully written prose, artful incisive comment and a wealth of human interest. I heartily recommend this book to anybody who will or has visited Florence and fallen in love with it.

Florence is a travel through time in the famous Tuscan city. This is good reading for those interested in Italy and Italian art, culture and history. It will give an insight for the next trip or just to satisfy your curiosity.

have visited florence regularly this book is a wonderful way of finding out about the history and sights and information you may have missed,there is an abundance of books about florence but in my opinion this is the most interesting and enlightining,can,t wait to read his biography of rome

When one reads its turbulent history, it is amazing that the city has survived at all let alone with all the staggering buildings and art works

Fascinating and detailed account. This is a beautifully written biography of Florence .

There are tons of travel books, but this one goes beyond just telling you what to visit in Florence. As a matter of fact, it is not really a travel book as much as a history book. Florence has not changed that much in over 500 years and this book is a great way to understand the city and what made it so special. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance and what they were able to accomplish in less than 200 years is astounding. I would highly recommend this book if you are going to visit Florence or if you have an interest in Italy.

Fabulous book. Many illustrations. Covers history , art , architecture and governance. Thoroughly recommend.

Storico inglese che ama l'Italia, molti sono i suoi libri sulle vicende italiane, che si lascia leggere con facilità e che senza annoiare ci guida fra storia, aneddoti, curiosità, arte a riscoprire e guidarci anche turisticamente in una delle più belle città d'Italia

My sister gave me this book on my way to living a year in Florence. Dense, thorough, well written, have bought this and a few of the other cities he has written about to give to children and their parents as the children were taking their summers or third years in those cities. (the parents were happy to have a volume to consult at home when the young ones would text or send pics home)

Very good survey of the development of the city from its Etruscan and Roman roots. Excellent illustrations. A very readable text.