Medieval Lucca: And the Evolution of the Renaissance State
Medieval Lucca: And the Evolution of the Renaissance State examines Lucca’s political history and regional power through the end of the fifteenth century. The book presents an archive-based study alongside a comparison of the Italian city-state and emerging territorial states, with emphasis on Lucca’s distinctive administration and the limits imposed by its resources and neighbors.
At a glance
- Studies Lucca’s regional history from classical antiquity through the end of the fifteenth century.
- Connects a focused study of Lucca with wider debates about political power and the development of the state.
- Discusses the city’s authority over its territory, administrative continuity and constraints on independent action.
Reference price: $240.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Provides a sustained regional case study rather than limiting its scope to Renaissance-era events.
- The book’s political and administrative focus supports comparisons between city-states and emerging territorial states.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | November 15, 2008 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 272 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0199542902 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0199542901 |
| Weight listed | 1.25 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 0.9 x 6.2 inches |
What to know before buying
- The book’s account emphasizes that medieval coercive and bureaucratic capacity was limited, and that Lucca’s independent action was increasingly constrained by stronger neighboring powers.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers researching medieval and Renaissance Italian political history.
- Students interested in city-states, territorial administration and the evolution of state structures.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a broad, introductory survey of all Italian history or a primarily cultural account of the Renaissance.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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Frequently asked questions
What period does this book cover?
The listing describes coverage from classical antiquity through the end of the fifteenth century.
What is the book’s central subject?
It studies Lucca’s political community and territory, and uses that case to discuss city-states and the emerging regional states of Italy.
Is this a general Renaissance overview?
No. The description presents it as a focused, archive-based study of Lucca, with broader discussion of state structures and political power.
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