The Visconti family of Milan became the most powerful family in all of northern Italy during the fourteenth century. By 1400, Giangaleazzo Visconti was challenging the independence of the little Republic of Florence. Giangaleazza came very close to unifying all of northern Italy in 1402. And then he died. In order to understand the power of Milan, we need to study the Visconti. (The name means Vice Count.) As many of you know, the Visconti are alive and well in Milan still to this day. (Luchino Visconti, 1906-1976, was one of the greatest Italian film directors.)
REQUIRED READING: This week, Chapter V, "Milan"
RECOMMENDED READING:
J. R. Hale, The Civilization of Europe in the Renaissance. This study of the whole Renaissance period in all of Europe was the final masterpiece of one of the greatest historians of the Early Modern period. John Hale was working on this book when he suffered a debilitating stroke. But his wife, Sheila Hale, and other scholars finished the book for publication and we are all enriched by its availability. It is in print, but you might also look at used copies of the original quality paperback. This book will serve us for the whole year-long course. It is especially useful for Winter and Spring Quarters.
The Civilization of Europe in the Renaissance,
Scribner, Reprint edition (June 1, 1995),
ISBN 0684803526