Description
In the late medieval Italian city of Prato, Francesco di Marco Datini—an ambitious, devout merchant—leaves behind a trail of letters, records, and notebooks that reveal how commerce, faith, and daily life intertwined. Through Iris Origo’s vivid reconstruction, his world comes into focus: the rhythms of work, the texture of relationships, and the practical intelligence required to navigate markets, risk, and reputation. Blending documentary detail with a deeply human narrative, the book follows Datini’s rise and the choices that shape his household and partnerships, offering a rare window into 14th-century society. At its heart, this is a study of “for God and Profit,” exploring themes of ethics and enterprise, the mechanics of trade, and the lived experience behind historical change.
Available Editions
paperback
Penguin Books, Limited
Published Jan 1, 2017
400 pages
ISBN: 9780241293928
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Details
First Published
1957
Language
eng
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for Merchant of Prato by Iris Origo.