The Professor of Secrets: Mystery, Medicine, and Alchemy in Renaissance Italy

William Eamon

National Geographic , 2010

Agent: Sandra Dijkstra

In the tradition of Galileo's Daughter and Brunelleschi's Dome, this exciting story illuminates the captivating world of the late Renaissance—in this case its plagues, remedies, and alchemy—through the life of Leonardo Fioravanti, a brilliant, remarkably forward-thinking, and utterly unconventional doctor. Fioravanti's marvelous cures and talent for self-aggrandizement earned him the adoration of the people, the scorn of the medical establishment, and a reputation as one of the age's most colorful, combative figures. Written by Pulitzer-prize nominated historian William Eamon, The Professor of Secrets entices readers into a dangerous scientific underworld of sorcerers and surgeons. Meticulously researched and engagingly written, this gripping narrative will appeal to those interested in Renaissance history, the development of science, and the historical thrillers so popular today.

Reviews:
“[William Eamon] brings a distant world up close… The author presents what medicine was like during the Renaissance with a wealth of unexpected details … and a light, accessible touch … that makes this book welcome reading not only for the summer but for any time of year.”
Los Angeles Times