I Take History With My Coffee

A historical journey through the Early Modern period

I Take History With My Coffee


Recent Episodes

Episode 32: Il Magnifico

Sept. 26, 2023

This episode tackles the uneasy shift towards dynastic rule, casting light on Piero de Medici's humanist upbringing, his complex web of relationships, and the political discontent that simmered as he inherited power from his…

Episode 31: The Dome of Florence

Sept. 12, 2023

Ever marvel at the architectural genius of one of Italy's grandest cathedrals? We journey back to the 15th century and unravel the fascinating story of Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore's majestic dome. We unravel the inval…

Episode 30: Donatello

Aug. 29, 2023

Donatello was perhaps the greatest of Renaissance sculptors, with a life filled with artistry and intrigue. This is Donatello's story, layered with insights into his character and his rapport with Cosimo de Medici, providin…

Episode 29: The Book Hunters

Aug. 15, 2023

Get ready to step back into the heart of the Florentine Renaissance, where we unravel the fascinating tales of book hunters who reshaped the intellectual landscape of Europe. The episode takes us through the journey of renow…

Episode 28: "Let the Heavens Rejoice!"

Aug. 1, 2023

This episode will take you on a historical journey, shedding light on the complex cultural, linguistic, and administrative differences and the theological disputes that fueled the Great Schism between the Latin Church and th…

Episode 27: Master of the Country (Part II)

July 18, 2023

In this episode, we continue to explore Cosimo de Medici's delicate balancing act of power and his unique approach to ruling without seeming to do so. We broaden our gaze to the broader political landscape of the time, deta…

Recent Blog Posts

The Dome of Florence

    Views from the lantern atop the dome     The herringbone brickwork   View of the ribs in the dome     Views inside dome     Brunelleschi's wooden model.  In order to maintain…

Donatello

All photos from Wikimedia Commons   Anonymous 16th-century portrait of Donatello.  There are no contemporary portraits of the artist, so this likeness is questionable.  The painter most likely copied from various existing models a…

Map of Florence

The map is from Paul Strathern's "The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance." https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL...