In The Black Prince of Florence: The Spectacular Life and Treacherous World of Alessandro de' Medici, Renaissance and early modern European historian Catherine Fletcher tells the story of the dramatic and turbulent life of Alessandro de’Medici, the illegitimate son of a Medici Duke and a maidservant, who at age 19, confronted the violent family rivalries of Italy’s oligarchs to restore the Medicis’ power in Florence.

Event: On September 20th at 7 p.m., Catherine Fletcher will be doing a talk, Q&A and signing at Barnes and Noble on the Upper West Side (2289 Broadway at 82nd St.).