Ross King The Bookseller of Florence : Vespasiano da Bisticci & the Multicolor

A marvel of storytelling and a masterclass in the history of the book WALL STREET JOURNALThe Renaissance in Florence conjures images of beautiful frescoes and elegant buildings the dazzling handiwork of the citys artists and architects. But equally important were geniuses of another kind Florences manuscript hunters, scribes, scholars and booksellers. At a time where all books were made by hand, these people helped imagine a new and enlightened world. At the heart of this activity was a remarkable bookseller Vespasiano da Bisticci. His books were works of art in their own right, copied by talented scribes and illuminated by the finest miniaturists. With a client list that included popes and royalty, Vespasiano became the king of the worlds booksellers. But by 1480 a new invention had appeared the printed book, and Europes most prolific merchant of knowledge faced a formidable new challenge. A spectacular life of the book trades Renaissance man JOHN CAREY, SUNDAY TIMES Ross King The Bookseller of Florence : Vespasiano da Bisticci & the