Genoa And The Genoese, 958-1528 -

The book maps how Genoa became a thriving republic with an extensive, far-flung overseas empire.

Genoa and the Genoese, 958–1528 by Steven A. Epstein is a comprehensive, scholarly history tracing the city’s rise from an obscure port to a dominant, yet chaotic, Mediterranean naval power. Epstein analyzes six centuries of Genoa's development by blending economic trends, political conflict, and social history.

The book is considered a "must-read" for understanding medieval Italian city-states and filling a significant gap in English-language literature regarding Genoa's history. If you'd like to dive deeper, I can provide:

Epstein provides insights into daily life, covering topics such as slavery, the role of women, the influence of the Crusades, and the city's combative relationship with the Islamic world. Major Themes

Genoese history is portrayed as a mix of intense patriotism alongside a notable lack of cooperation among its citizens.