Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on
bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Florence Map
by Berndtson & Berndtson
A detailed, plastic-covered city map of Florence at a scale of 1:7,000.
Some Bitter Taste
by Magdalen Nabb
Number 12 in the series, a richly atmospheric tale set in Florence. Guarnaccia investiages the murder of Sara Hirsch, a spinster living alone at Villa L'Uliveto.
Renaissance Florence, The Invention of a New Art
by A. Richard Turner
A cultural and social history of the city focusing on the great art and famous monuments, featuring vivid color pictures and illustrations.
Florentine, The True Cuisine of Florence
by Emiko Davies
Through 70 traditional recipes and evocative photographs, this cookbook is a lush tribute to the cuisine and history of Tuscany’s capital. Emiko Davies shares the gastronomic heritage of Florence and tells its story, dish by dish.
Architecture of the Renaissance, From Brunelleschi to Palladio
by Bertrand Jestaz
Originating in Florence, the flowering of architecture in 15th-century Italy revolutionized the look of European cities and the mindsets of their citizens. This lavishly illustrated pocket book presents the people, the time and its monuments in hundreds of color photographs and engravings.
The City of Florence, Historical Vistas and Personal Sightings
by R.W.B. Lewis
A vivid tour of the city and its riches by the fine biographer of Edith Wharton and Henry James. Lewis has written what he calls "a partial biography of Florence," beautifully interweaving the personal and the historical.
Brunelleschi's Dome
by Ross King
The story of the design and construction of the dome in the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a tale rife with politics, cut-throat competition and mighty inspiration.
The Art of the Renaissance
by Peter Murray
A classic, illustrated survey of the world of the Renaissance and its art. With chapters on Florence and its artists, the Netherlands, early illustrated books and many individual artists.
The Italians
by John Hooper
Italy correspondent for The Economist Hooper explores Italy -- its baffling contradictions, unique character and contemporary culture -- in this illuminating portrait.
The Medici, Power, Money and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance
by Paul Strathern
This dramatic history traces the rise of the Medici family from their modest origins in Florence to their place as one of Europe’s most powerful dynastic families. A remarkable tale of power, money and ambition set against the backdrop of the Renaissance.
Florence, The Paintings and Frescoes
by Anja Grebe, Ross King
This photographic journey through the world of Italian frescoes reproduces more than 2,000 artworks from 28 of Florence’s magnificent churches and galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery, The Pitti Palace, the Accademia, and the Duomo.
A Room with a View
by E.M. Forster
E.M. Forster's classic tale of love among the middle classes, set largely in Florence.
The Agony and the Ecstasy, A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
by Irving Stone
An overheated, page-turning fictionalized account of the life of master painter and sculptor Michelangelo -- and a good introduction to Renaissance Florence and Rome.
The Birth of Venus, A Novel
by Sarah Dunant
A rich novel of art, passion and patronage, memorably set in late 15th-century Florence and prominently featuring the famously pious reformer Savonarola.
Eyewitness Guide Florence & Tuscany
by Eyewitness Guides
Superbly illustrated, this compact guide shows the neighborhoods, museums, shops and sites of Florence and surroundings in full color.
April Blood, Florence and the Plot Against the Medici
by Lauro Martines
An absorbing chronicle of corruption and murder in Renaissance Florence, brimming with details on double-dealings, greed and backstabbing among Italy's elite.
Toscanelli's Ray
by Wallis Wilde-Menozzi
Wilde-Menozzi’s critically acclaimed novel explores traditional themes of expatriation, immigration and evil within the microcosm of late-20th century Florence and within the span of 15 hours.
La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
by Beppe Severgnini
Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.