The Bookseller of Florence

Fascinating online lecture from ArtScapades looking at Vespasiano da Bisticci described as the bookseller of Florence.

Ross King introduced us to his new book on Bisticci, the 15th century bookseller who not only sold manuscripts but also sourced ancient texts and had them copied to bring them to market. His bookshop also became a centre for scholars and conversations. The shop still exists although it is now a pizzeria.

He outlined who some of Bisticci’s main clients, many of whom I have studied recently, and looked at how he helped them to build their collections.

I can’t wait to read this which gives a different view of Florence in the early Renaissance not just as a city of great art but also of great learning. I have read some of Ross King’s earlier books and they are very detailed but clearly written.

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