Giovanni Sercambi's Chronicle of the History of Lucca
A city reborn: Paolo Guinigi and the Lucca's renaissance
The accession of Paolo Guinigi in the early 15th century transformed the fate of Lucca, a city historically plagued by political turmoil and plagues. In the Chronicles of Lucca by Giovanni Sercambi, the city’s significant events from 1164 to 1423 are meticulously documented in six hundred fifty-one vivid illustrations, offering a detailed portrayal of daily life, architecture, and historical occurrences.
Giovanni Sercambi, a revered apothecary and prominent writer in Lucca, penned this historical masterpiece, becoming renowned not only within the city but across Italy. As a supporter of the influential Guinigi family, Sercambi served as a soldier and chronicler, crafting an unparalleled record of Lucca’s history. His expertise in natural sciences and literary talent positioned him as a harbinger of the Renaissance era.
Amidst political corruption and plague outbreaks, the emergence of the Guinigi family as Lucca’s foremost power reshaped the city’s narrative. Paolo Guinigi, the family’s sole survivor in 1400, became Lucca’s governor, which he largely owed to the wise council of his friend and public official Giovanni Sercambi. Paolo’s pragmatic governance ushered in a remarkable three-decade period of peace and prosperity. Sercambi’s chronicle was instrumental in preserving the city’s pivotal moments for future generations.
The facsimile edition of the Giovanni Sercambi’s Chronicle of Lucca is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.
This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.
Details
Tech Sheet
DATE:
XV century.
ORIGINAL KEPT:
State Archive of Lucca (Italy).
LANGUAGE:
Italian.
FORMAT:
277 x 200 mm.
PAGES:
726 pages.
ILUMINATION:
651 miniatures of plants and animals.
BINDING:
Bound in leather embossed with gold stamping.
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