This is a historical novel set in 17th century Florence against a background of a decadent ruling family, an intolerant church, and a fight for the survival of knowledge.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Set in 17th-century Florence, this impressive debut from a British writer illuminates a dark time in Italian history: the years of intellectual and religious repression under the rule of Cosimo III. Now in his eighth decade, lexicographer Frederico Credi looks back on the events of his youth, when he came under the wing of hunch- backed scholar Antonio Magliabechi, who was involved in a plot to save the Medici library from destruction by the Jesuits. The novel depicts the Inquisition's relentless persecution of heretics and scholars ("after the Jews they will come for the books") and the corruption of political power that produced poverty, starvation and random lawlessness in Tuscany. His voice irreverent and witty, Fredo narrates the events whereby vicious Pasto Bomboni acquires power in the notorious secret police, the Salti, and becomes the nemesis of the artists and scientists who are conspiring to preserve the wisdom of the ages from the Inquisition's depredations. Richly detailed, the narrative builds suspense slowly, meanwhile introducing an array of vivid characters, including a giant and a dwarf, an apostate Irish monk and a flamboyant actress. A marvelously evocative picture of post-Renaissance Florence, city of matchless art and architecture and squalid, garbage-filled streets, the book holds up a mirror to intolerance and bigotry, reminding us how easy it is for a civilized society to sink into corruption. Major ad/promo.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
It is the late 17th century and the Florence of The Palace of Wisdom has certainly seen better times. Decay and decline fester in the once remarkable city, and the great literary works of the age are destined for extinction at the hands of the Inquisition. An unlikely group of cohorts bands together to foil this evil: a fang-toothed dwarf; a learned physician; a hunchbacked librarian; and the narrator, a 15-year-old scholar. These often quirky characters, coupled with a bawdy, sardonic humor, lend this diverting tale a farcical note which in no way undermines the legitimate historical setting, or the serious undertaking of the characters. More disturbing is the cockney-like speech of the lower orders and a hasty ending, unworthy of the novel. Still, a solid debut. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/89.
- Lydia Burruel Johnson, Mesa P.L., Ariz.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Seller: The Bark of the Beech Tree, Depoe Bay, OR, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. 1st Edition. This is an uncorrected proof copy of Bob Marshall-Andrews' first novel. A QC, a Labour MP for 13 years, and an author of diverse works, Mr M-A has produced:- this tale of Florence in 1684; a police thriller; a novel about Samuel Pepys; a political memoir, and a recent satirical novel about a rampaging troop of chimpanzees led by a shameless alpha male called Dump (the fact that this name rhymes nicely with the name of a certain world leader and business tycoon might indicate the directionality of the satire!). Howsoever, back to this copy of his debut offering: it's a large format softcover ARC with the card cover showing the same design as the dust jacket on the finished book. As with the finished book, the paper stock is poor and has caused the textblock to tan - especially on edges. There is a slight knock to the side of the spine, otherwise this is an excellent, apparently unread proof copy. Seller Inventory # 000846
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Seller: The Bookshop at Beech Cottage, Newbury, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. Dust Jacket Condition: Good +. 1st Edition. 309pp. VG/G+. Maroon coloured cloth with gilt lettering on spine. No inscriptions. Slight rubbing to tail of spine. Faint browning to page edges. Unclipped dust jacket with shelf wear to top of spine. Pink coloured b/g with black lettering. Tape repair to inside of torn front flap at hinge. Worn dj corners. First novel for author who went on to become a Member of Parliament. Seller Inventory # 003219
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Seller: Plurabelle Books Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: USED_GOOD. 307p large format hardback, dustjacket present and protected by adhesive transparent film, small library stamps and bookplate, a well preserved copy of the first edition, paper yellowing a little Language: English. Seller Inventory # 231519
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Seller: Hall of Books, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: USED_VERYGOOD. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition hardback with unclipped jacket. A private copy in overall very good condition with only slight signs of handling and storage - dj spine a little faded and slightly rubbed to edges. Binding tight, no annotations or inscriptions, text crisp and clean throughout. Seller Inventory # 110932
Quantity: 1 available