The Life and Pontificate of Leo the Tenth in Six Volumes

Six Hardcover leather bound volumes 489, 473, 501, 507, 362, 335 pages. Condition Very Good Issued with NO Dust Jacket. Stated second edition 1805. Lovely decorated leather over marbled boards with red boxes and gold embossing shows off this Clean, tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Books Well kept and carefully stored in unread condition. Slight shelf wear. Marbled edges discolored with age. Pages are lightly toned with spotting and minor signs of wear and/or age. Not an ex-library, book club or remainder copy.

The biographical account of Pope Leo X and his pontificate in six extensive volumes by William Roscoe. Born into the prominent political Italian family of Medici of Florence, he was the second son of Lorenzo de' Medici (Lorenzo the Magnificent), and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1489. Pope Leo X was Pope from 1513 to his death in 1521. He was not only the head of the Christian Church, but also the temporal ruler of the Papal States and head of the Medici family that ruled the Florentine Republic.

He is known for often resorting to the common practice of nepotism to exert his influence in Italy. Roscoe's 'Life of Leo the Tenth' first appeared in 1805. This is the second edition of 1806. The book, which was first published in 1805, is a comprehensive look at the life and reign of Pope Leo X, who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1513 to 1521. The book covers Leo X's early life, including his upbringing, education, and political career, as well as his rise to the Papacy. It also covers his religious and political policies, his impact on the Catholic Church and European politics, and his relationships with other contemporary figures such as Martin Luther, King Henry VIII and the Medici family.

Roscoe's writing style is detailed and well-researched, and he draws heavily from primary sources to provide an accurate and nuanced picture of Leo X and his pontificate. He also provides a critical examination of the Pope's policies and actions, highlighting both his successes and his failures. It's a great book for those interested in the history of the Catholic Church and the Renaissance period, as well as for anyone interested in the life and legacy of Pope Leo X. It provides a comprehensive look at one of the most important figures in the Catholic Church during a critical period in European history, and it's also considered a valuable source for the understanding of the Medici family and the Florence politics during the Renaissance.

William Roscoe was an English historian and miscellaneous writer, also known as an early abolitionist and for his strong Presbyterian beliefs. Best known for his poem for children 'The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast,' Roscoe was also respected as a historian and art collector in his time. In particular, this study of the life and pontificate of Leo X, together with his work on Lorenzo de' Medici are considered to be important contributions to historical literature.