The Italian City-Republics

The Italian City Republics, now in its fifth edition, explores how many Italian towns achieved independence from the eleventh century onwards, showcasing a precocious experiment in republican self-government until the fourteenth century. The book has been expanded to include a treatment of women and gender, the early history of the communes, and the lives of non-elites. It focuses on medium-sized towns and uses contemporary material to portray the world of the communes, illustrating patriotism, public spirit, and factional strife. The book is an accessible and rewarding read for students and the general reader interested in Italian history, literature, and art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Italian City Republics, now in its fifth edition, delves into the remarkable story of how numerous Italian towns attained independence as political entities from the eleventh century onwards, free from any centralizing power. Until the fourteenth century, these communes witnessed a pioneering and well-documented experiment in republican self-government. In this revised edition, Trevor Dean has expanded the book's coverage of women and gender, the early history of the communes, and the lives of non-elites. Instead of focusing on the more well-known cities, the authors have chosen to explore the world of medium-sized towns, drawing on a diverse range of contemporary materials, both documentary and literary, to vividly portray the communes' world. Through their discussion of the artistic and social lives of the inhabitants, the authors shed light on how these towns served as the fertile ground for the cultural achievements of the early Renaissance. The bibliography has been updated to include a list of Further Reading, providing students with the latest scholarship to continue their studies. Whether you are a student of Italian history, literature, or art, or simply a general reader with an interest in these subjects, this accessible book offers a rewarding and captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian society during the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367673260
Edition number: 5 ed