In Giovanni and Lusanna: Love and Marriage in Renaissance Florence, historian Gene A. Brucker details the relationship between Giovanni di Ser Lodovico della Casa and Lusanna di Girolamo, highlighting their romance, secret marriage, and subsequent court trial in fifteenth-century Florence. This microhistory underscores how Florentine society handled issues of love, marriage, and social class.

Gene A. Brucker's Giovanni and Lusanna has been lauded for its meticulous use of archival sources to illuminate a dramatic 15th-century marriage dispute. Reviewers praise Brucker's narrative skill and historical insight. Some critique it for lacking broader socio-political context. Overall, it's recommended for its vivid portrayal of Renaissance Florence.

Readers interested in social history, gender studies, and Renaissance Florence will enjoy Giovanni and Lusanna by Gene A. Brucker. Comparable to Natalie Zemon Davis's The Return of Martin Guerre, this book engages those intrigued by personal stories woven into broader historical contexts.

- Giovanni and Lusanna by Gene A. Brucker is an intriguing exploration of a real 15th-century legal case in Florence, bringing to light issues of love, marriage, and social status amid the complexities of Renaissance society.
- The book provides a rich depiction of gender dynamics and societal norms in Renaissance Italy, based on meticulous archival research that lends authenticity to the portrayal of the period.
- Gene A. Brucker, a renowned historian, uses this case study not just to tell a captivating story but also to delve into broader historical themes such as the intersection of law and society.

**Lusanna di Girolamo**  
Born in Florence to a successful tailor, Lusanna is a woman from an artisanal social class whose relationship with Giovanni della Casa becomes a central focus of events. Her actions and decisions lead to significant legal and social repercussions in 15th-century Florence.

**Giovanni della Casa**  
A wealthy bachelor from the aristocratic della Casa family, Giovanni engages in a controversial relationship with Lusanna. His ties to elite circles, including the Medici family, play a critical role in the unfolding events.

**Archbishop Antoninus**  
The most powerful religious figure in Florence, known for his commitment to fairness and justice, Antoninus presides over Lusanna's case. He makes pivotal decisions that reflect his dedication to protecting the city's poorer citizens.

**Ser Filippo Mazzei**  
A notary in Archbishop Antoninus's ecclesiastical court, Ser Filippo documents the events of the legal proceedings involving Lusanna's case. His detailed recordings provide insight into the court's procedures.

**Cosimo de' Medici**  
The influential patriarch of the Medici family, Cosimo wields considerable power in Florence through an elaborate patronage network. His connections and possible influence are speculated to impact the outcome of the legal proceedings.

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Giovanni and Lusanna: Love and Marriage in Renaissance Florence

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