The Preacher's Demons : Bernardino of Siena and the Social Underworld of Early Renaissance Italy

Rating:
Summary: Italian Renaissance know-it-all
Review: "I would have dropped dead if I hadn't mentioned it, my conscience would have given me no peace." The words of a passionate orator, no? Bernardino, the subject of this academic work, is quite the colourful and influential character. The author reveals how powerful these wandering preachers were by inciting intolerance and hatred into the masses who flocked to their dramatic sermons. Particularly thought-provoking is the author's message of how we must not be too quick to ignore the individuality of a given personality within a peer group.

As is common with books written in this genre, from the world of Academia, it becomes a bit 'scholarly' at times, a potential drawback for the more casual reader. Because of Mormando's readable prose and his rare subject matter, it is nonetheless a wonderful choice for anyone interested in Italian Renaissance history.

Rating:
Summary: Italian Renaissance know-it-all
Review: "I would have dropped dead if I hadn't mentioned it, my conscience would have given me no peace." The words of a passionate orator, no? Bernardino, the subject of this academic work, is quite the colourful and influential character. The author reveals how powerful these wandering preachers were by inciting intolerance and hatred into the masses who flocked to their dramatic sermons. Particularly thought-provoking is the author's message of how we must not be too quick to ignore the individuality of a given personality within a peer group.

As is common with books written in this genre, from the world of Academia, it becomes a bit 'scholarly' at times, a potential drawback for the more casual reader. Because of Mormando's readable prose and his rare subject matter, it is nonetheless a wonderful choice for anyone interested in Italian Renaissance history.