Book Description
The Italian Quattrocento, particularly in Florence, was a period of increasing prosperity and the steady progression and dissemination of the ideals of humanism that were beginning to take root. This period of Florentine history, under the reign of the infamous Medici family, produced great masters of the visual arts and men of letters beyond compare, crafting not only a rich society but laying the footwork for the Italian and European Renaissance and great leaps in Western thought. This volume brings together over fifty sources from this period (many translated into English for the first time), which contributed to the emergence of a particularly Florentine civic ideology.
Book Description
Matt O’Brien, an assistant curator and art restorer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has always been passionate about the Italian Renaissance. But when he discovers a long-neglected portrait of a beautiful woman among the museum’s miles of storage bins, he becomes obsessed--and not only because he suspects that the painting is by Leonardo da Vinci. Something about the mysterious woman’s exquisite face stirs his memory, and when Matt finds himself spun across the centuries into Quattrocento Italy, where he arrives perfectly attired in 15th century clothing, he appears to be free to pursue her.
A magically woven, richly detailed debut,
Quattrocento tells an unforgettable tale of art, and love, and the unexpected places places where they meet.
Download Description
In the tradition of Time and Again, a sweeping love story/time-travel epic situated between the modern-day New York art world and fifteenth-century Tuscany.
Matt O'Brien has a quiet life: A painting restorer with a particular love of the Quattrocento period of the Italian Renaissance, he toils away millimeter by millimeter, bringing old oils to new light. But one day he happens upon a painting in the basement of the Metropolitan Museum that is thick with centuries of yellowed varnish and dust. As he uncovers the portrait of a mysterious, beautiful woman, he finds himself suffering from an urgent sense of déjà vu coupled with the pain of falling in love with a person long dead.
Meanwhile, strange things have been happening in the museum since the installation of a wood-paneled room from Gubbio called a studiolo. As Matt increasingly seeks refuge in this magical room from the pressures of having potentially discovered a Leonardo da Vinci, the centuries slip away and he finds himself in the center of a love triangle, with Anna on one side and the Machiavellian knight Leandro, fighting for her fortune, on the other.
Obsession and passion combust in this exotic tale that is at once contemporary and rich in period detail. Rooted in art history, music theory, and the rudiments of physics, McKean's debut novel is a mesmerizing tale of time travel and possibility. With twists and turns that are as thrilling as they are unexpected, Quattrocento is escapist storytelling at its very finest.
"The strength of Quattrocento lies in its scope and fearlessness."
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
"An intriguing first novel, rich with historical detail and combining art, physics, time travel and a love story."
BOOKLIST
"Jim McKean appears out of nowhere to fashion a high-caliber, genre-busting, page-turning romp between two passionate artists who literally challenge the laws of nature in order to be together. Bravo"
JENNY MCPHEE, AUTHOR OF THE CENTER OF THINGS
Customer Reviews:
Muddled Time Travel.......2007-03-21
Matt works in a museum, restoring paintings. One day a picture catches his eye, and he ends up spending his time cleaning up a portrait of a woman he comes to refer to as Anna. As he works on the restoration, it becomes more and more clear that this painting is a Da Vinci. It also becomes clear, especially to Matt's girlfriend, that he has fallen in love with Anna.
When the museum realizes what Matt has discovered and puts the painting on display, Matt is devastated at the thought of so many people staring at his beloved. When he retires to an isolated part of the museum to collect himself, though, he find himself suddenly transported, to the time of swordfights, nobility, and Anna.
This book contained wonderful descriptions of art and music. I liked reading about pigmentation and the paintings he described, which came to life in my mind. However, parts of the plot were sketchy. Somehow Matt was able to travel to the exact place and time he desired, and once there was able to get the woman of his dreams to fall in love with him. Matt was able to fit in, without question, with the people of this time period, despite his many strange behaviors. Time travel stories are difficult to pull off, since they require more suspension of disbelief than other stories. This particular one had too many gaps.
a noteworthy first attempt.......2007-02-25
Expert violinmaker, McKean, ventures into new territory with his ambitious debut novel, Quattrocento - a story of fine art and love, cleverly disguised as time-travel conceit.
At the heart of the story is Matt O'Brian, an art restorer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who struggles with the realization that he has revealed a never before discovered quattrocento* masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci; a painting of a beautiful young woman, who O'Brian names "Anna". The painting and the subject become the focus of his obsession, and O'Brian fears its discovery, as he does not wish to be parted from it. In the meantime, the Metropolitan Museum has finished the restoration of Federico's Studiolo, an ancient study, a placeO'Brian is often drawn to for quiet reflection.
Unwilling to psychologically part with the painting that he has worked tirelessly on, O'Brian ultimately loses himself to the mysterious allure of the studiolo, and finds himself unwittingly whisked across five centuries to the quattrocento to be with the painting's beautiful subject, Anna. There he discovers she is a Contessa and also an artist, married to an elderly man. It is not long before O'Brian also encounters her dangerous suitor, a covetous knight named Leandro, who plunges the art curator into a treacherous love triangle, vying for the Contessa's affections. After falling in love and sharing their affection with a discreet kiss, Matt is parted from Anna, and is returned to present day.
O'Brian, desperate to return to Anna summons the aid of some ambiguous quantum mechanics, and is somehow jettisoned back to the quattrocento to pursue her again freely. Her elderly husband has since passed away, and most importantly the jealous suitor Leandro is (somewhat too conveniently) gone.
McKean's imaginative Quattrocento is a sprawling tale that is more fantasy than it is drama. The author's artistic background serves him well throughout the novel, as details regarding the beautiful world of art are truly breathtaking. Several passages meld "castle in the sky" whimsy and reality as O'Brian loses himself inside various art works. And yet, throughout the novel, it seems as though McKean has bitten off a bit more than he can chew with regards to physics and the idea of time travel, as the descriptions become often tedious and lack a lot of logic. But his efforts do deserve at least a nod of appreciation from art and book lovers alike.
Disappointment at best.......2006-04-23
This would have been a great story in the hands of a more capable writer. All the elements of a historical novel are there - an undiscovered Da Vinci painting, art museum intrigues, Italian Renaissance art history, and time travel to that horrible and wonderful period of history. Sadly, the author mishandles the story and leaves gaping holes which just about destroy any credibillity. The worst of these is when the hero "arrives" in Renaissance, and appears out of nowhere in Duke's palace. No problem, you might say - but alas, no one seems to notice the presence of a total stranger and much less question him on his provenance. I would think that he would at least be thrown in the dungeon for illegal entry or at worst be tried by the inquisition for witchcraft. Did the author decide that the reader is too daft to notice? This major flaw aside, the writing is good, but the attempt at depth is rather transparent and reveals at every turn the shallowness of the plot, the characters and of history of the period. Having said that, one must give credit where credit is due - the ultra-realistic Renaissance scenes are well executed and one can almost see, touch, smell and feel what it must have been like. Where the novel lacks depth in its plot, characterization and history, it has incredible detail in the descriptions of the oil paiting techniques, but it is of limited interest to the general reader, and is more valuable to an artist or art historian. Sometimes one feels left out - as if the book was written for that latter individual.
A good first novel.......2005-05-05
I am only now just reading this book, having found it among a stack of other good novels in the local Goodwill Store.(my favorite spot for book hunting)
While I am fascinated by the period (which seems to be in vogue as of late) I was somewhat disappointed at not learning more about DaVinci, one of the most interesting human beings in our history. I was hoping to learn more of the period and his works, ideas and motivations as it related to this possible piece attributed by him. I was even expecting him to be introduced to the Master. But unfortunately, the "love triangle" with Anna was a bore and I read "between the lines" at the interplay of Matt in Rennaisance Italy. Overall it was a good first novel and I do think the author is on to better things. It was enjoyable and I did find myself looking forward to getting back to it's pages day in and out but again, the author clearly knows the actual subject matter basing the novel ("time travel" aside and I see another such novel with more depth and character in the future. Looking forward to it.
3.5 stars - Better than good........2005-04-10
There are some significant holes in the plot and the characters could have been more developed but, for me, that was offset by the richness of the descriptions and the wonderful dialogue. It is not a classic time-travel romance, although that is an element, but it made me think and taught me some things about art, science and music. I very much enjoyed this book, find myself still thinking about it and hoping he writes another book.
Average customer rating:
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Florence and the Renaissance: The Quattrocento
Alain J. Lemaitre , and
Erich Lessing
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori, & Chang
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ASIN: 2879390214 |
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- A great interpretation of a favorite literary form
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The Quattrocento Dialogue: Classical Tradition and Humanist Innovation (Harvard Studies in Comparative Literature)
David Marsh
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
History & Criticism
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ASIN: 0674741153 |
Customer Reviews:
A great interpretation of a favorite literary form.......2002-02-02
David Marsh captures perfectly the essence of the 15th century in the awe inspiring account of the lost dialogue--a favorite literary form of Plato, Cicero, and other classicle writers. The text is recommended to all readers, even those whose knowledge of Italian is less than superior. Marsh offers a systematic account of the revival of the dialogue in 15th century Italy. My congratulations on his excellent work.
Average customer rating:
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Portraits from the Quattrocento
Eugenio Garin
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0061386294 |
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- Book review of The Lion Returns by John Dalmas
- This is a good conclusion to the trilogy.
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The Lion Returns
John Dalmas
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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The Lion of Farside
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ASIN: 0671578243 |
Customer Reviews:
Book review of The Lion Returns by John Dalmas.......2007-09-03
An excellent next segment in the Lion series by John Dalmas, one of the best SF authors writing today.
This is a good conclusion to the trilogy........1999-07-28
John Dalmas is a master story teller and the trilogy that began with "The Lion of Farside" is his best. This part of the trilogy takes place mostly in Yuulith, as did the first novel, and wraps up the loose ends left when Curtis Macurdy returned to our earth at the conclusion of the first novel. The second novel, "The Bavarian Gate," was my personal favorite because it took place in our world and centered around how Curtis used the powers and skills he learned in Yuulith. "The Lion Returns" resolves the conflict with the Voitu whom Curtis met beyond the cross-dimensional gate in Bavaria. This is a good conclusion to the trilogy, every bit as good as the first novel. I read the book in one sitting, all 460 pages.
Product Description
3 cassettes; 200 minutes.
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The Return of the Witch (Lions)
Margaret Stuart Barry
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0006715990 |
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- saving the galaxy one tooth at a time [no spoilers]
- Open wide; it won't hurt a bit...
- Prostho Plus ý Intergalactic Dentistry at itsý BEST!
- The book that turned me on to Piers Anthony
- This story of dentistry was totally out there!
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Prostho Plus
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Fantasy
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ASIN: 0812531167 |
Book Description
What's keeping you from your grand tour of the universe? Are you afraid of being caught out in the vastness of space with a painful cavity and no one capable of fixing it? Well fear not--the galaxy is simply teeming with dentists!For Dr. Dillingham, dentist of Earth, it was the shock of his life--captured by aliens, forced to fix a strange cavity in an even stranger mouth; then whisked off to deep space. But luckily for the good dentist, Dillingham discovered that he liked zooming about the galaxy, solving unprecedented problems and making new and decidedly different acquaintances. And when he was offered the chance to apply to the Galactic University of Dentistry as Earth's first (and only) applicant, Dillingham had a choice to make: go back to his safe little world of bored housewives and miles of braces, or make a mark for mankind among the teeth of the stars.It was really no choice at all.
Customer Reviews:
saving the galaxy one tooth at a time [no spoilers].......2006-05-24
After Dr. Dillingham, Earth dentist, performs a critical procedure on alien denture, he finds himself embarking on an unlikely adventure in "Prostho Plus". The minimal character and environmental development caters to the young reader with the typical nomenclature and vocabulary in a fairly loose fast-paced Piers Anthony storyline.
The author creates various functions for alien communication, many of which involve the teeth, constructing an extremely imaginative and fascinating galaxy. Romantic pursuit and suspenseful settings scatter the plot supplying variety to the otherwise linear intrigue. A pleasant read which also sends a message regarding the importance of dental hygiene.
Thank you.
Open wide; it won't hurt a bit..........2005-11-22
Dr. Dillingham applies and attends the Galactic University of Dentistry and then takes the time to work on the teeth of alien beings with dental problems. Though I admit no fondness for much of Anthony's work, this novel is certainly unique. Reading Dr. Dillingham's exploits of filling in a cavity in the mouth of a beast where each tooth is well over fifteen feet high is, to say the least, highly unusual. This novel was strung together from several short stories, but it works well enough. This is a short, funny little book. If you ever wanted to know just how wierd dentistry can be, then find a copy and open up and say "aaaaaah."
Prostho Plus ý Intergalactic Dentistry at itsý BEST!.......2003-04-06
Piers Anthony is best known for his popular fantasy / comedy series Xanth, but before he became bogged down in the puns of Xanth, he wrote some great science fiction and fantasy of world class. "Prostho Plus" is one of those really great books.
What sets this book apart in the spirit of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is that the protagonist is an unlikely dentist catapulted off terrestrial Earth into the highly dangerous field of intergalactic dentistry. Dr. Dillingham, the human dentist, is propelled from alien mouth to alien mouth performing badly needed procedures for xenoforms in pain. The book is hilarious and Anthony's ideas about alien mouths are both interesting and innovative.
I highly recommend this very amusing and well-written novel!
Review by: Maximillian Ben Hanan
The book that turned me on to Piers Anthony.......2001-08-25
I originally read this book when it was new. Browsing an airport book stand for a sci-fi to read, the jacket design caught my eye. I followed this with reading the blurbs: "Can a mild-mannered dentist from Earth make it in the high-powered world of galactic dentistry?" Sounded like fun. I was completely unfamiliar with Piers Anthony's works before this. He subsequently became one of my favorite authors.
This story of dentistry was totally out there!.......2000-01-25
When I first started reading this book I was pretty doutfull,but as I read more I found myself not wanting it to end.
Average customer rating:
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Prostho Plus
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Sphere
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KOPSYY |
Average customer rating:
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Prostho Plus
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Science Fiction Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HG1IOY |
Average customer rating:
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PROSTHO PLUS
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRG0TM |
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Prostho Plus
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Sphere
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M635J0 |
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Prostho Plus
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: ST MARTINS PRESS *
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SF2WHG |
Book Description
Over 300 delicious low-fat recipes you can prepare in fifteen minutes or less. By greatly simplifying the work involved in preparing healthy, exciting meals, bestselling authors Dr. John McDougall and Mary McDougall continue to build upon the success of their acclaimed, low-fat McDougall Program books. In this latest edition, they share their secrets for lowering cholesterol, alleviating allergies, and dramatically reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes with food that is irresistible to the whole family. Featuring over 300 recipes that can be prepared in fifteen minutes or less, The McDougall Quick and Easy Cookbook is the busy person's answer to eating right.
Discover shopping tips and cooking hints to save time, reduce fat, and make great-tasting meals. Learn the viable egg and dairy replacements to eliminate fat, cholesterol, and animal protein from your diet. And refer to the updated "McDougall-Okayed Packaged and Canned Products" list.
The economical, fast, and innovative recipes in The McDougall Quick and Easy Cookbook help make good health and longer life easier than ever to achieve.
* The McDougall Program was recently ranked #1 in the weight loss field by the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine
Customer Reviews:
Great tasty, healthy cookbook.......2007-08-08
This is a great cookbook for anyone who wants to eat healthier, but doesn't have a lot of time to cook. The recipes can be made in a half hour or less. My favorites are the Szechwan Peanut Sauce which is great on noodles and veggie stir fry and the Taco soup.
nutrition.......2007-07-05
Remember the little heart seal the usda allowed to be placed on food products like margerine.Registered dieticians missed that one. Mcdougall who always does his homework did not get caught on that one and neither did I.
I have taught science and nutrition for more than 25 years and the mavericks like Dr.McDougall, Campbell, DR.Esselstyn and Pritikin have impressed me because their ideas are always based on the BEST available science. This book is truthful and insightful and could possibly save your life. In McDougall's other books he is fearless in his report on heart disease and other degenerative diseases and how it all relates to nutrition.
"The way we look at smoking today is how we will view the western diet in the future",the time has arrived to get that message out and all of the McDougall books take a step in the right direction. Even with my background I found this book of great value. Whenever I council people on health I just refer them to one of his books. That shows a great deal of confidence in this pioneer. McDougall from what I can tell is not a vegetarian for philosophical reasons but rather health isuses and with the rising cost of health issurance we better listen to his message.
The Mcdougall Quick & Easy Cookbook: Over 300 Delicious Low Fat Recipes You can Prepare in Fifteen minutes or less.......2007-01-10
This is another excellent vegetarian cookbook. I feel so much better at not eating meats, dairy, white wheat/rices. The McDougalls cookbooks have helped me use some of my own recipes and get ideas from theirs.
Love It.......2007-01-05
I love this cookbook as well as Mcdougall's other books. The recipes are simple and delicious! No meat or dairy products used in any recipes.
The Follow-up.......2007-01-04
After reading "The China Study", we asked ourselves, "How do we make this change to being vegan?" This book was the follow-up answer that jump-started our new diet. Contains a lot of helpful information besides the very simple and quick recipes. In our zeal, we have bought and passed on many copies of this valuable book.
Books:
- La Ciencia Y El Campo Akasiko/the Science Camp Akasiko: Una Teoria Integral Del Todo (A Debate)
- La Symphonie Pastorale (Folio Ser .: No 18)
- La Tia Julia Y El Escribidor/ Aunt Julia And the Scriptwritter
- Leaving Earth: A Novel
- Life Is Paradise: The Portraits of Francesco Clemente
- Love and Other Games of Chance: A Novelty
- Making Waves #1
- Man or Mango? : A Lament
- Mr. White's Confession: A Novel
- Night's Lies
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