The French invasion of Italy under Charles VIII in 1494-95 has long been seen as inaugurating a new and wretched era in Italian history. The present volume, the work of an international team of contributors, seeks to question that assumption by focusing anew on the intricate politics of Renaissance Italy and the long history of Angevin attempts to impose their rule in southern Italy. It was later invasions, it is argued, that did most to reshape the politics of the Italian peninsula. These studies also look at social and economic effects of the French invasion, as well as its cultural aspects, not least the impact of Renaissance culture in France itself. Combining survey papers and research articles, this volume presents a new introduction to the history of late 15th-century Italy. The appendix, listing the Ilardi collection of microfilms, will also provide an invaluable guide to the diplomatic history of the era.

About the Author
David Abulafia, Cambridge University, UK

Reviews
'The book..provides rich material for a new synthesis, and indeed will nourish scholarship across a far broader front than the expedition itself. Its value as a research tool is enhanced by the substantial appendix containing a catalogue of Ilardi's microfilm collection of Renaissance diplomatic documents at Yale, which constitutes in its own right a superb guide to the major Italian archives.' Parergon, Vol. 16, No. 1



Book Information
ISBN 9780860785507
Author David Abulafia
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint Variorum
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1065g