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Lives of the early Medici : $b As told in their correspondence
"Lives of the Early Medici: As Told in Their Correspondence" by Janet Ross is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the private lives of the Medici family, one of the most influential dynasties in Renaissance Italy, focusing on their personal letters and correspondence. The book aims to reveal the everyday lives, relationships, and challenges faced by the Medici, showcasing their transition from a middle-class family to a ruling house entwined with European politics and culture. At the start of this volume, the introduction lays the groundwork for understanding the significance of the Medici family by highlighting the lack of focus on their private lives in previous biographies. The text emphasizes the importance of letters in providing an authentic view of historical figures, as they convey unfiltered emotions and personal anecdotes. Ross incorporates excerpts from letters written by various members of the Medici, such as Contessina and Cosimo de’ Medici, reflecting on family matters, daily concerns, and broader political dynamics of the time. This initial portion effectively sets up the expectation of delving into both the public and private dimensions of the Medici legacy through their correspondence.