What to read in Florence? my book recommendations.

If you're travelling to Florence and want to get a full immersion or if you simply wish to get into the Florentine atmosphere, you'll find what you wish for in this post!

“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”– Jhumpa Lahiri

Book lovers, this is for you! Rejoice, for here is a list of books linked (directly or indirectly) with the Renaissance city. From classics to contemporary romance, I hope you'll find one that capture your interest.

Dante's Divine Comedy

I must start the list with THE work who I believe, illustrates Florence the best. Resuming it would take way too much time. This narrative poem written by Dante Alighieri in the XIVth century, is one of the greatest literary work and I believe, the most eminent in Italian Literature. In Florence, Dante's spirit is still very much alive and Florentines are proud of the fact that the poem helped establish the tuscan language as the standardized Italian language. Divided in three main parts : Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. It embarks you on a spiritual and reflective journey and also allows you to learn more about the medieval world-view, Dante's era, his thoughts on Florence and his beloved Beatrice.

Vita di Benvenuto Cellini

If you're an history fan, this one is for you! This autobiography was written by Benvenuto Cellini himself, one of the major artists of the Italian Renaissance, well-known for his Perseus sculpture. I was pleased when I read it the first time, and even more the second! You get to learn more about Florence and Rome in the XVIth century as well as notable historical figures such as Cosimo I de Medici. It can seem a bit much at first but I assure you the narrative is actually very gripping and offers some funny anecdotes. The witty remarks of Cellini and some comical aspect in various passages of the books left their mark on me. I obviously encourage you to read it.

Inferno by Dan Brown

I know, I know, who hasn’t heard of Dan Brown and his famous Da Vinci Code? Well in case you haven’t, he also wrote Inferno : a novel which, as the title suggests, takes place in Florence (but not only). Following Robert Langdon, professor emeritus at Harvard University, waking up in Florence completely disoriented, having no idea what occurred to what lead him here. The book pushes us to reflect on our behavior toward not only our own selves but also our environment, religion and science. As always, Dan Brown's writing is fascinating.

The monster of Florence by Douglas Preston & Mario Spezi

If you enjoy mystery, thriller, suspense, this one is for you! A fascinating story where the reader follow Douglas Preston, who moved to Tuscany in a house where one of the most infamous double-murders in Italian history took place. Murders committed by a serial killer known as the Monster of Florence. Preston decides he wants to clear the mystery and meets Mario Spezi, a investigative journalist, in order to discover more about it. This book is actually based on a true story and I believe it's totally mind blowing.

The Medici House, its rise and fall by Christopher Hibbert.

For those wishing to learn more about Florence's most famous and powerful family, this book is a good start. Well written, It gives you a whole view of its history : from its beginning in ca. 1430 with the ingenious figure of Cosimo il Vecchio to 1737 and the end of the dynasty, but obviously never forgetting to mention the Grand dukes, and the Medici popes. This book is a nice choice to develop your knowledge on the matter.

La passion Lippi by Sophie Chauveau.

This one is for the french speakers! If you're an art history amateur, this book is a wonderful choice. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it. It narrates the life of Fra Filippo Lippi, an artist that had a major influence in Florence (you can still see his works in different parts of the city such as the Convento di San Marco ). Written like a proper novel - and not a biography - it definitely capture your attention. The author did a lot of research in order for the story to be as historically accurate as possible. I definitely recommend it.

Gabriel's Inferno written by Sylvain Reynard

I cannot finish this list without mentioning this book. A dark love story with strong themes of Redemption, Art and Intrigue. Sylvain Reynard, NY TIMES Best Selling Author, takes us on a wonderful journey, with captivating character and references on Florence's most famous poet : Dante. I don't want to disclose the plot but I can tell you without hesitation that this novel is a lovely experience for the reader. What's more, for those who might have already read it, I can recommend you to watch the movie adaptation that was released not long ago. Indeed, the third part of the movie was obviously filmed in Florence.

#books #reading #inspiration #Florence