Niccolò Rising

House of Niccolò Series, Book 1

By: Dorothy Dunnett

Narrated by: John Banks

In this first book of The House of Niccolò series, the author of the Lymond Chronicles introduces a new hero, Nicholas vander Poele of Bruges, the good-natured dyer's apprentice who schemes and swashbuckles his way to the helm of a mercantile empire.

With the bravura storytelling and pungent authenticity of detail she brought to her acclaimed Lymond Chronicles, Dorothy Dunnett, grande dame of the historical novel, presents The House of Niccolò series. The time is the fifteenth century, when intrepid merchants became the new knighthood of Europe. Among them, none is bolder or more cunning than Nicholas vander Poele of Bruges.

Niccolò Rising, book one of the series, finds us in Bruges, 1460. Jousting is the genteel pastime, and successful merchants are, of necessity, polyglot. Street smart, brilliant at figures, adept at the subtleties of diplomacy and the well-timed untruth, Dunnett's hero rises from wastrel to prodigy in a breathless adventure that wins him the hand of the strongest woman in Bruges and the hatred of two powerful enemies. From a riotous and potentially murderous carnival in Flanders, to an avalanche in the Alps and a pitched battle on the outskirts of Naples, Niccolò Rising combines history, adventure, and high romance in the tradition stretching from Alexandre Dumas to Mary Renault.

©1986 Dorothy Dunnett (P)2023 Tantor

Top Tier Historical Fiction

There is no finer storyteller than Dorothy Dunnett. No one does it quite like her (excluding Hilary Mantel of course). Highly recommend.

Dunnett excels and so do her readers

The story of Nicholas is so powerful; and Dunnett writes so beautifully. The characters reveal themselves. An enormous pleasure to read, and to listen caps it.

Love the Audio

I have read both The Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolo series many times since I first discovered the wonderful historical fiction of Dorothy Dunnett in 1989. This was my first time listening in audio format. I loved it! I will be buying every book in each series now.

Want more

One of my most esteemed authors—more of her work please. The reader/performer doesn’t d a great job.

Excellent Historical Fiction!

Excellent Historical Fiction! If you like the genre, you’ll enjoy Ms Dunnett’s “The House of Niccolo” Series. Mid-15th Century epic, set in different places across most of the than known parts of the world in different books of the Series. Excellent characters, lots of action, very human romances & packed with intense emotional connection with the listener delivered by an exceptional Reader, Mr Banks. Best read Book #1, “Niccolo Rising” to Book #8, “Gemini,” in order.

Start here

So thankful to have this new audio edition with John Banks's understated yet highly effective narration. Characters are individuated and key details stand out--very important, since NICCOLO RISING is the first in a series and sets up a number of plotlines and themes.

If you are looking for a well-written, deeply-researched yet seemingly effortlessly inscribed historical novel, Dunnett's House of Niccolò is a great place to begin. The characters and events will capture your imagination.

simply astounding

this book is brilliant, though it requires some concentration and frequent trips to Wikipedia to be enjoyed to its fullest.

Perfect Narration!!

I love this series!
John Banks does a perfect job with this masterful series. Great to listen to one of my favorite authors done so well

Medieval Trade

I am closely engaged with the characters now and cannot wait for the next book. Having visited Bruges and the Netherlands this spring it has brought it alive!

Great adventure

I love Dunnett and this doesn’t disappoint. Great hero and story rich in details and excitement. I look forward to reading the second book in the series. My favorite series is.The Lymond Chronicles which is still the best! But this is very entertaining.