The Bookseller of Florence: The Story of the Manuscripts that Illuminated the Renaissance (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2021)

Please join us on Thursday, June 24, at 5 p.m. Eastern, for a 2021 History Book Festival virtual event with Ross King, author of The Bookseller of Florence: The Story of the Manuscripts that Illuminated the Renaissance (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2021). This event is free but registration is required.

About the book
Vespasiano da Bisticci operated a bookshop during the 15th century “Golden Age” of Renaissance Florence. At a time when all books were made by hand, he produced and sold many hundreds of volumes from his shop, which became a gathering spot for debate and discussion. His books were works of art in their own right, and his clients included popes, kings, and princes who wished to burnish their reputations by founding magnificent libraries. Vespasiano had reached the summit of his powers as Europe’s most prolific merchant of knowledge when a new invention appeared to challenge his influence: the printed book.

About the author
Ross King is the author of several bestsellers, including Brunelleschi’s Dome, Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, The Judgment of Paris, Mad Enchantment, Leonardo and the Last Supper, and Machiavelli: Philosopher of Power.

How to attend the online event
All registered attendees will receive a follow-up email from “LibCal” with Zoom log-in information. If you don’t receive this email after registering, please check your SPAM folder. If you still can’t locate the email, please contact info@historybookfestival.org.

Purchase the book
Please help support local independent bookstores by purchasing this book at Browseabout Books, official bookseller of the History Book Festival. Online sources and digital versions are tempting; however, supporting local brick and mortar shops helps to preserve our vibrant main streets. Drop by Browseabout, order books online, or call the store at 302-226-2665. You also may purchase a copy at biblion in Lewes. Each copy purchased comes with a signed archival bookplate.

About the Festival
With the help of our presenting sponsors—Delaware Humanities and The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices I Gallo Realty—as well as our community partners and volunteers, the 2021 History Book Festival will, once again, be full of great discussions online with authors of newly published narrative nonfiction and historical fiction.

Our 2021 Festival will follow last year’s format: allowing you to bring history home—and stay safe! We are extremely grateful for the virtual venue and assistance in event promotion provided by the Lewes Public Library, in conjunction with the Delaware Division of Libraries and Sussex County Libraries.