My Review of 'Florence: A travellers guide to its GEMS & GIANTS' by Patty Civalleri

FLORENCE: A Traveler's Guide to its GEMS & GIANTS by Patty Civalleri My rating: 5 of 5 stars I Absolutely adored this book! Whether you have been, or are planning to visit Florence or not, this is entertainment at it's best. Entirely factual, it tells the story of the amazing architecture and artworks still in existence in the city to this day, but also gives an in-depth and often humorous account of the famous historical figures to have contributed to the city since the dark ages; including a complete account of the generations of the Medici family who financed its development, artists you know and love, such as Dante the thinker, and writer of 'The Divine Comedy', Uccello and his hatred of cheese, Donatello the only sculptor who could compete with Michaelangelo, or those of which you've maybe never heard, but who contributed so much to the richness of the history of this amazing city. Packed with clever little anecdotes, funny stories and facts not normally available in traditional history volumes, it is complete with photos, drawings, diagrams and maps, and explains the details of each famous artist or personalities' life, who they were friends with, and what they accomplished. the writer, Patty Civalleri has a beautiful writing style, and narrates the book as if she is by your side, telling you the story as a tourist guide. Her sense of humour is evident throughout, and I found myself chuckling the whole way though the book. Even if you have no interest in Italian architectural and art history, you will also love this book for it's comedic value, if nothing else, but I'm sure you will come away from it wiser and better informed about some of the most influential art history ever recorded. Undoubtedly my favourite book so far this year, and well deserving of five stars!