Paul Strathern Books

A sweeping history of the Age of Reason, which shows how, although it was a time of progress in many areas, it was also an era of brutality and intolerance, by the author of The Borgias and The Florentines.[Bokinfo].

A history of the modest family which rose to become one of the most powerful in Europe, this book is a remarkably modern story of power, money and ambition. Paul Strathern explores the rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence, as well as the Italian Renaissance which they did so much to sponsor.

With a focus on the lives and ideas of renowned writers, this series offers brief yet insightful biographical studies. Paul Strathern's engaging prose makes complex literary concepts accessible, providing readers with a refined understanding of each author's contributions. Each book serves as both an entertaining read and an authoritative appraisal, highlighting the significance of these literary figures in an accessible manner.

Napoleon's attack on Egypt in 1798 was the first on a Middle Eastern country by a Western power in modern times.

Between Dante's birth in 1265 and Galileo's death in 1642, a profound transformation reshaped Western civilization's culture. The visual arts—painting, sculpture, and architecture—underwent striking changes, marking an irreversible evolution. Concurrently, humanity's self-conception and thought experienced a significant shift, leading to the emergence of new sciences. These groundbreaking ideas primarily originated in Florence, Tuscany, where a focus on common humanity supplanted other-worldly spirituality, giving rise to humanism. This philosophy spread throughout Italy, maintaining essential elements of its Florentine roots as it reached other parts of Europe. Transformations in human culture have consistently reflected their origins; for instance, the Reformation retained aspects of central and northern Germany, while the Industrial Revolution, despite its expansion beyond Britain, preserved elements of its initial framework. Similarly, the IT revolution, which began in Silicon Valley, remains influenced by its Californian beginnings. Paul Strathern illustrates how Florence and its inhabitants played a pivotal role in the Renaissance, emphasizing the lasting impact of their contributions on the broader cultural landscape.

The book presents concise biographical studies of renowned writers, showcasing their lives and ideas through engaging and accessible prose. Paul Strathern combines wit with insightful analysis, offering readers a refined understanding of each writer's contributions. These studies serve as authoritative introductions, making complex literary concepts approachable. Praised for their dramatic flair and ability to evoke a sense of time and place, these works are ideal for those seeking to explore Western civilization's literary heritage.

The sensational story of the rise and fall of one of the most notorious families in history, by the author of The Medici.

"The glorious and infamous history of the Borgia family--a world of saints, corrupt popes, and depraved princes and poisoners--set against the golden age of the Italian Renaissance."--Amazon.com

According to Plato, perhaps the greatest philosopher of all time, "philosophy begins in wonder". His ideas grew against the turbulent background of Ancient Greece, yet his famous "Dialogues" rank amongst the world's most serene and profound literature. The "Virgin Philosophers" series cover the lives and ideas of the major philosophers, attempting to clarify the mysteries of philosophy for the general reader.

Includes: Inspired geniuses, such as Paracelsus, the father of medical chemistry, and Edward Jenner, who discovered the smallpox vaccination; Cuthroat competition, as during the 'Gas Wars' over who'd invented the anaesthetic, Scientific endeavour, such as the discovery of X-rays; Mistakes both fortunate and fatal, Anatomy,.