Italy in the Seventeenth Century

In his comprehensive overview Professor Sella reveals sharp contrasts and shifts in fortune rather than the excessive decadence usually associated with 17th century Italy. He starts with an analysis of political developments (placing the Italian states in their wider European context) before assessing the state of the economy and the far-reaching transformations it underwent. He then looks in depth at society, religion, and culture and reassesses, in particular the influence of the Counter Reformation on Italian life. The book ends with an engrossing account of Galileo's work and trial as well as with an overview of the important and often neglected contributions made by other scientists in the later part of the century.