Mary Hollingsworth Book order

The life and times of Catherine de' Medici, by scholar of the Italian Renaissance Mary Hollingsworth.

A beautifully illustrated history of the Renaissance told through the lives of its most important and influential patrons. 'Exceptionally sumptuous... This vivid history brings to life the vices and virtues of the feuding ruling families of Italy.' Michael Prodger, The Times 'Full of treasures to be uncovered... A chance to visit a glittering, at times rather gory, world that is different and yet dreamily familiar to our own.' BBC History Revealed From the late Middle Ages, the independent Italian city-states were taken over by powerful families who installed themselves as dynastic rulers. Inspired by the humanists, the princes of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Italy immersed themselves in the culture of antiquity, commissioning palaces, villas and churches inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome, and offering patronage to artists and writers. Many of these princes were related by blood or marriage, creating a web of alliances that held society together but whose tensions sometimes threatened to tear it apart; thus were their lives dominated as much by the waging of war as the nurture of artistic talent. In a narrative that is as rigorous and closely researched as it is accessible and informative, Mary Hollingsworth sets the princes' aesthetic achievements in the context of the volatile, ever-shifting politics of a tumultuous period of history.

Conspiracy, intrigue and faction fighting as the future of Europe hangs in the balance: Mary Hollingsworth tells the story of the papal conclave in 1559.

A fresh telling of the rise and fall of the House of Medici, the family that dominated political and cultural life in Florence for three centuries.

The Borgias have become a byword for pride, lust, cruelty, avarice, splendour and venomous intrigue. An inspiration for many works of fiction, most famously Mario Puzo's The Godfather, they have aroused abomination and fascination in almost equal measure, while their patronage of the arts created some of the great masterpieces of the Renaissance. From the powerful, merciless Rodrigo Borgia, better known as Pope Alexander VI, to the beautiful Lucrezia and the debauched and murderous Cesare, Mary Hollingsworth's account of the dynasty's dramatic rise from its Spanish roots to the heights of Renaissance society forms a compelling tale of brutality, incest, unparalleled corruption and extortionate greed.

The best-selling Hugs books have quickly become one of the best-selling inspirational gifts in America. Over 900,000 copies have been sold, and sales continue to grow at a phenomenal rate. Now, the Little Book of Hugs series is launched and includes Hugs for Mom, Hugs for Sisters, Hugs for Friends, Hugs to Encourage and Inspire, Hugs for Women, and Hugs for Teachers. Now you can complete any gift you give with a little hug tucked in the bag or the wrapping. These beautiful little two-color books do just what the titles promise: They warmly embrace the hearts of those who receive them and let that person feel loved and appreciated. You know someone who could use a little hug today....it may even be you.

Hi! I am Barney and I want to be your friend. When you and I use our imaginations, we can have fun together. Whenever you need a friend, you can take me along. With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you, remember that I love you too! Love, Barney