Florence and its Story, Edmund G. Gardner, 1953

A beautiful vintage copy of Florence and Its Story by Edmund G. Gardner, part of J. M. Dent & Sons’ Mediaeval Towns Series.

Originally published in 1900, this is the revised 1953 edition, exploring the history, art and architecture of Florence through its streets, churches, palaces and the people who shaped the city. I particularly love the illustrations throughout, including reproductions of some of Florence’s most famous works of art, such as Botticelli’s Venus - making it such a lovely book to slowly dip in and out of.

The book itself is rather beautiful too, bound in rich cobalt blue cloth with a delicate gold illustration to the front. It still has its wonderfully graphic turquoise dust jacket, which has some wear and little losses around the edges as you would expect with age.

A gorgeous old book for anyone who loves Florence, Renaissance art, architecture or simply beautifully made vintage books.

Author: Edmund G. Gardner
Title: Florence and Its Story
Series: Mediaeval Towns Series
Publisher: J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, Bedford Street, London
Printed: The Aldine Press, Letchworth, Hertfordshire
First published: 1900
Edition: Revised 1953 / New Edition
Made in Great Britain