Boston Book Festival 2018

This session will look at two notable Renaissance people: one whose very name is synonymous with the scientific and artistic achievements of that era, and one whose name was barely known to us, until now. Walter Isaacson, whose previous bestsellers explored other restless, creative geniuses such as Benjamin Franklin, Einstein, and Steve Jobs, delves into the astonishing creativity and curiosity that drove the most famous of Renaissance men, Leonardo da Vinci. And, in Renaissance Woman: The Life of Vittoria Colonna, author Ramie Targoff, professor of English and co-chair of Italian studies at Brandeis University, examines the life and times of an extraordinary woman--the first to publish poetry in Italy. Her connections to the powerful, including Charles V and more than one pope, as well as her close friendship with Michelangelo, gave her tremendous influence and power in Roman society. As the NYT Book Review states, “Vittoria Colonna has always deserved to be better known. Ramie Targoff’s fine book will surely make that happen." Our discussion of these fascinating figures will be led by modern-day Renaissance man David Leonard, president of the Boston Public Library. Sponsored by the Boston Public Library.