Mary Hollingsworth is a scholar of the Italian Renaissance and the author of The Medici, which was widely praised on its publication by Head of Zeus in 2017, and Princes of the Renaissance, published in 2021. Her other books include The Cardinal's Hat, The Borgias: History's Most Notorious Dynasty and Patronage in Renaissance Italy: From 1400 to the Early Sixteenth Century.
Mary Hollingsworth exhibits her trademark blend of meticulous scholarship and narrative verve – this time incorporating some fascinating new material to reinforce her skilful re-reading of Catherine's character. Highly recommended, and highly readable. * Paul Strathern, author of The Medici * A nuanced and sympathetic portrait that does much to unpick the black legend woven by Catherine’s detractors and reveals how she used all her tenacity, resourcefulness and guile to try and bring peace to a nation torn apart by sectarian hatred and vicious rivalries. * Anne Somerset, author of The Affair of the Poisons * Praise for The Medici: This forensic study of the Renaissance banking dynasty conjures up a world of art, literature, philosophy – and brutality - Telegraph, Book of the Year Likely to become the standard work of reference on the members of the family that dominated Florence - TLS A lucid and beautifully illustrated family history - The Times, Book of the Week A vital acquisition for anyone who studies the Renaissance and seeks the true role of the Medici in the history of Florence * Kirkus *