James Dennistoun's second volume picks up the thread of Urbino's story as it enters its most turbulent and dramatic period. This isn't a dry list of dates and battles. Instead, Dennistoun focuses on the people—the ambitious dukes, their formidable wives, and the scheming courtiers who shaped a small but incredibly influential Italian state.

The Story

We follow the Montefeltro and della Rovere dynasties through the 15th and 16th centuries. The book shows how Duke Federico da Montefeltro, the famous 'ideal ruler,' built his legacy not just with a brilliant library and art collection, but with a ruthless mercenary army. After him, we see his successors struggle to hold everything together. They face invasions from bigger powers like the Papacy and France, constant political backstabbing, and the immense pressure to be both feared warriors and generous patrons of the arts to keep their reputation alive.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is Dennistoun's obvious fascination with his subjects. He writes with the energy of a detective, piecing together letters and old accounts to show us their flaws and their brilliance. You get a real sense of the impossible choices these men and women faced. One chapter they're commissioning a masterpiece, the next they're plotting a defensive war. It reminds you that the Renaissance was a beautiful, but also a very dangerous, time to be in charge.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want to move beyond the famous names of Florence and Rome and dive into the gritty reality of a smaller powerhouse. It's also great for anyone who loves biographical drama and stories about political power. Fair warning: it's a detailed history, so it asks for your attention. But if you give it, you'll be rewarded with a captivating, human-scale story of an extraordinary dynasty fighting for its place in the sun.