Italian Renaissance Puns

Hi.

Any suggestions for a historical fiction novel set during the Italian Renaissance? Ideally something the scale of Shogun or Ken Follet’s Century Trilogy. I would imagine something revolving around the Medici and/or the Pazzi would be common, but less-familiar history would be great as well.

Bonus points for prominent LGBT characters/figures. Extra bonus points for da Vinci.

Thank you.

I already took this class and still have the books we read. If you plan to take the class in the fall, we can meet up on campus when the semester starts and I’ll sell you the books. I know it’s pretty early now, but let me know if you would be interested in this.

Whenever I try to study the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance it always, one way or the other, ends up talking about the italian cities of that time. It seems like, either because of their banking connections, economic prosperity, diplomatic weight or artistic development they always have something to do with what was going on in Europe at the time. However the same cannot be said about the german cities, which at the time were undergoing a similar period of prosperity and decentralization of central imperial power. There were many rich and powerful cities, but none that come close to Florence, Venice, Milan or Genoa. What were the reasons for this "lack of influence"?

For history my teacher said if I’m to do music for my independent study I have to choose a work that is representative of the Italian Renaissance style/period, I’ve only sung Palestrina in church, would one of his works be good to choose from?

I feel like Italian military history to the general populous is relegated to the might of the Roman military and the notable failures of the modern unified Italian military, however medieval and Renaissance Italy is an era I am very fascinated in and learning about and I am completely aware that the city states were for a large part either puppets of foreign nations or fielded mercenaries in their stead.

What I cannot find much about however is the size of these militaries, how many men could Florence field? Or Genoa? How big was the Venetian fleet? What was the military capabilities of Naples (I am aware it was under Spanish rule but the question remains)

If anyone knows anything on this directly or could reference me to some good sources or even do both it would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Whenever I try to study the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance it always, one way or the other, ends up talking about the italian cities of that time. It seems like, either because of their banking connections, economic prosperity, diplomatic weight or artistic development they always have something to do with what was going on in Europe at the time. However the same cannot be said about the german cities, which at the time were undergoing a similar period of prosperity and decentralization of central imperial power. There were many rich and powerful cities, but none that come close to Florence, Venice, Milan or Genoa. What were the reasons for this "lack of influence"?

I’m looking for a historical fiction book about the renaissance era around Italy. Thank you