Official Review: FLORENCE Gems & Giants

[Renu G]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "FLORENCE Gems & Giants" by Patty Civalleri.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Florence: A Traveler’s Guide to its Gems & Giants is authored by Patty Civalleri. It is beautifully designed with illustrations from different moments in the history of the city. The images of monuments and remarkable personalities could lead to Stendhal’s syndrome (when one is so impressed with art that one displays symptoms of dizziness, madness, and panic). The only cure according to the writer is to read this book!

As an archaeologist and historian, Civalleri has well researched the topic for people who want to know more than where to stop for sightseeing. Her work is quite engaging. It is a journey of rediscovering the humanism of European culture which seems to have faded with time.

The beginning of this compendium includes a list of questions to rouse the traveler’s interest. For example: Who punched Michelangelo in the nose? Who was the entrepreneur of the Renaissance? Were the Medici the first mafia family? The visual table of contents is a unique way of presenting the topic. I liked it because it gave me a bird’s eye view. The timeline of famous personalities is helpful.

The writer offers a brief history of the Renaissance (1400-1600 A.D.) which means “rebirth.” Nevertheless, after going through the first twenty pages, a reader could still ask, “Where is Florence?” One must wait until page 22 to know that it is in Italy. Graduates in the arts will better appreciate the richness and beauty of all that it conveys.

How did this city give birth to so many giants soon after the Black Plague? Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Petrarch are some of them. They include artists, architects, scientists, and philosophers who depict a rich European culture of humanism. The historian provides the answer. She gives details about the House of Medici (Giovanni, Cosimo, and Lorenzo) who funded several of these gems and giants, to dispel the myth that they were a mafia family.

The information is awe-inspiring. I can already feel the onset of Stendhal’s syndrome! The writer provides guidance for tourists in today’s Florence: its popular piazzas, best places for photography, street art, museums, etc. I was oblivious of these facts when I visited the city almost two decades ago. I did not know that it had so much significance on the tourist map.

I enjoyed reading this manual and rate it 3 out of 4 stars. The picture of Mona Lisa makes me smile. I liked it the most. Overall, the book looks professionally designed, but there is room for improvement regarding sentence construction. Even though I did not find any typos, the frequent repetition of themes is irritating. The artistic font is extremely difficult to read, particularly in italics. I could not see the punctuation clearly. This is what I disliked most about the otherwise magnificent work.

I am pleased to recommend this travel guide for teenagers and adults who express interest in European Renaissance art and history. Travelers to the city of Florence will benefit from knowing the background and significance of tourist spots.

******
FLORENCE Gems & Giants
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Renu G's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Ellylion]

I have never heard of Stendhal’s syndrome before! The book exploring the House of Medici as a first mafia family must be just unique. And how great that, at the same time, it provides travelers with the information about popular piazzas and museums. Excellent review!

[ElizaBeth Adams]

When it comes to travel, and what is worth your time to go see, I need so much help! If the budget ever allowed me to plan a trip to Florence, this looks like an inspiring read. It also sounds good for those who may never get to go, but who want to get a feel for what Florence is all about. Thanks for your awesome review!

[kandscreeley]

This is definitely a place I would like to visit someday. Until I can, this sounds like a fabulous book to look at and perhaps even plan a trip. Thanks for the review!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Although I have never heard of Stendhal’s syndrome, I do feel this intense excitement when I see a painting that inspires me.
I would love to visit this city, and immerse myself in the art and history!

Great review!

[Dentarthurdent]

I think 'Who punched Michelangelo in the nose' is enough reason to read a book. That being said, it does not seem as though this book has a shortage of those. This is a well written review, and I am very glad to have read it.

[Artizi]

Florence is a city I've always wanted to travel to. It sounds like the kind of book to read if I ever manage to fulfill this dream. Thank you for the review, it's very well written!