How did we write before the internet? I honestly can't remember. But here, for the record, is the length of the dash to the Arno in Seeds of Truer Natures. I knew that my first draft of the run was … [Read more...] about how far to run
italy
music-making
“In [the 16th century], the notaries of Venice recorded the presence of an instrument even in modest households, while for the aristocracy and the merchant class, 90 per cent of inventories included … [Read more...] about music-making
medici the magnificent
This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: … [Read more...] about medici the magnificent
lorenzo e savonarola
From Miles Unger’s Magnifico (not, I suspect, the most rigorous of biographies, but a damn entertaining read): “There was, in fact, a conscious strategy on the part of Medici partisans to … [Read more...] about lorenzo e savonarola
on the road to florence
It all began with Villari, over a year ago. Thus the future foe of the Medici, and the destroyer of their power, was summoned back to St. Mark’s at the instance of their chief. Pico was as yet … [Read more...] about on the road to florence
lorenzo’s library
“Lorenzo’s intellectual life is demonstrated by his library, which included books collected by his grandfather and father and enhanced by his own purchases. He bought and commissioned books … [Read more...] about lorenzo’s library
palazzo medici
One of the hardest parts of writing Seeds of Truer Natures has been trying to figure out the building interiors. We had talked about going to Italy this year, or I’m not sure I would have attempted … [Read more...] about palazzo medici
piero the unfortunate
The unprepared heir. Piero was, by all accounts, pretty, arrogant, and unable to distinguish “citizen” from “prince.” He would die at 31 by drowning in a river while fleeing a … [Read more...] about piero the unfortunate
non val acqua al mio gran foco
Much of Seeds of Truer Natures was written to this. There is soundtrack for pace and feeling, and soundtrack for immersing in the world. This is the latter. … [Read more...] about non val acqua al mio gran foco