The Story of Siena and San Gimignano

"The Story of Siena and San Gimignano" by Edmund G. Gardner is a historical narrative seeking to share the vibrant past of the Republic of Siena while acting as a guide for travelers to the beautiful Siena and San Gimignano in Tuscany. The book begins by painting a picture of Siena as a medieval city with winding streets and Gothic buildings, and then explores the city's founding legends as well as its social and political transformation during the Middle Ages, featuring the influential noble families that shaped its leadership. Gardner reveals early political systems and conflicts within Siena, especially its clashes with Florence, which lays the groundwork for understanding the complicated path of the Republic and the meaning of its cultural identity as explored later in the book.