The Medici.

YOUNG, George Frederick [Medici].

Item Number: 135294

London: John Murray, 1909.

First edition of Young’s authoritative history of the Medici. Octavo, two volumes, bound in three quarters morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, illustrated, tissue-guarded frontispiece to each volume. In near fine condition. First editions are uncommon.

The House of Medici first began to gather prominence under Cosimo de' Medici, in the Republic of Florence during the first half of the 15th century. The family originated in the Mugello region of Tuscany, and prospered gradually until it was able to fund the Medici Bank. This bank was the largest in Europe during the 15th century, and it facilitated the Medicis' rise to political power in Florence, although they officially remained citizens rather than monarchs until the 16th century.