This intriguing book highlights and illustrates nearly 100 notable lives from between 1400 and 1600. Through these very readable short biographies, patterns in the history and art of the Renaissance become clear.

Some names are famous - Leonardo, Luther, Lorenzo de Medici and Machiavelli - but others will be new to many readers: artists, philosophers, politicians, scientists, rebels and reactionaries, as well as an acrobat, an actress and even a star comedian.

'This attractive volume can be and should be on the shelves of anyone interested in the history and culture of the Renaissance' - The Historical Association