Ever-loyal Maddalena, a diminutive, blue-eyed, black slave, has borne Cosimo de Medici a son and seen him rise to the position of cardinal. Now, late in life, she finds herself committed to a convent, as part of a scheme to protect the Medici Bank from ruin by Cosimo's sons, by hiding a fortune in gold for Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo, to inherit. But as the months go by, and the gold does not appear, her faith in Cosimo begins to wane and with it, her confidence in her own worth. Has she been duped?
Approaching old age, she finds in the abbess a confessor, to whom she can confide her true story and perhaps, at the same time, to convince herself that her life has been worthwhile. But the abbess, too, has objectives of her own, and the two of them may not be on the same side. Edward Charles presents us here with an the intrigue, glamour, wealth, and deception of Fifteenth Century Florence. One woman's devotion forms the foundation upon which the famed Medici bank was built. The largest and most respected financial institution in Europe in it's prime, it came to represent the might of the influential Medici clan, a family of great power, borne of Italy's gold; a family who scaled the very heights of human grandeur but were to suffer through one of the most catastrophic financial crashes of early banking. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction--novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home."synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Edward Charles was born in South Wales in 1941 and brought up in North London. He studied economics and law at the University College of Wales and then earned a PhD in corporate finance at Manchester Business School. After a short period as an academic, he began a career in finance and management consulting, working in Europe, the United States, and Asia. He retired from international business in 2006 and has published several novels. Edward lives in Devon, England, with his wife.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: Zoom Books East, Glendale Heights, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: good. Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZEV.1629147362.G
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Good condition ex-library book with usual library markings and stickers. Seller Inventory # 00105185576
Seller: HPB-Movies, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_458727719
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1629147362I4N00
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1629147362I3N00
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 5161759-6
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 11434660-6
Seller: Hawking Books, Edgewood, TX, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good Condition. Five star seller - Buy with confidence! Seller Inventory # X1629147362X2
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Brand New. 213 pages. 9.25x6.25x0.75 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # 1629147362
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Rarewaves USA, HEBRON, KY, U.S.A.
Hardback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # LU-9781629147369