Renaissance People: Lives that shaped the Modern Age, Robert C Davis and Beth Lindsmith (Thames and Hudson, London, 2011) 336pp., hardback, £24.95 ISBN 978 0 500 251775

Robert C. Davis is Professor of Renaissance history at Ohio State University and Beth Lindsmith a colleague.  This book offers a survey of the vast achievements of the Renaissance through the life of 94 individuals - politicians, eccentric scientists, fiery rebels, a pornographer, an acrobat and a comedian; great names like Luther, Machiavelli and Raphael, and lesser known people like Alexandra Strozzi who sought brides for her sons in Florence.

There are 200 pictures, 180 in colour, which add greatly to the interest of the book.  Through the brief biographies overriding patterns emerge such as the return to Roman Republic values, the rebirth of Classical art and literature, the growing momentum of religious reform.  There is plenty here for the reader to contemplate and to gain an insight into Renaissance life in a most agreeable way, perhaps returning time and again to the book or pursuing the further reading recommended by the authors.  The sources of quotations and of the stunning illustrations are carefully given and there is a useful index.  At the modest price, this attractive volume can be and should be on the shelves of anyone interested in the history and culture of the Renaissance.