In "Age of the Condottieri: A Short History of Mediaeval Italy from 1409-1530," Oscar Browning provides a thorough and engaging overview of the turbulent period in Italian history known as the Age of the Condottieri. Browning expertly navigates the political intrigue, military conflicts, and cultural developments that characterized this era, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the key events and figures that shaped Italy during this time.

One of the strengths of Browning's book is his ability to balance detailed historical analysis with a compelling narrative style. He effectively brings to life the various Condottieri, or mercenary leaders, who dominated Italian politics and warfare during this period, painting vivid portraits of their personalities and tactics. Browning also delves into the complex relationships between the Italian city-states, the Papacy, and the various foreign powers that sought to exert influence over the region, providing valuable insight into the intricate web of alliances and conflicts that defined Italian politics.

Furthermore, Browning's exploration of the cultural and intellectual developments of the Age of the Condottieri adds depth and richness to his historical narrative. He discusses the flourishing of Renaissance art and literature in Italy during this time, as well as the impact of humanism and other intellectual movements on Italian society. By examining these broader cultural trends alongside political and military events, Browning offers a well-rounded perspective on the complexities of Italian society in the late Middle Ages.

Overall, "Age of the Condottieri" is a highly informative and engaging read for anyone interested in Italian history, military history, or the Renaissance. Browning's clear and concise writing style, combined with his in-depth research and analysis, make this book a valuable resource for students, scholars, and general readers alike.

Book Description:
Italy from 1409 to 1530 is synonymous with the Renaissance, but this was also the age of the condottieri, Italian captains of mercenary companies and multinational armies who fought in the service of city states, monarchs, and the Pope. Some like Ludovico Sforza in Milan seized power and founded dynasties in their own right. The merchant princes of the Medici family reached their apogee in Lorenzo the Magnificent in Florence, but faltered in the Papacy; Leo X proved no match for Martin Luther and Clement VII was powerless to avert the sack of Rome in 1527. Venice lost her overseas empire to the Turks, while proud King Francis I, defeated by the Emperor Charles and a prisoner in Madrid, was eventually forced to relinquish all hope of Italian conquest.