The Spring of the Ram

House of Niccolò Series, Book 2

De: Dorothy Dunnett

Narrado por: John Banks

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, the good-natured dyer's apprentice who schemes and swashbuckles his way to the helm of a mercantile empire.

In 1461, Nicholas is in Florence. Backed by none other than Cosimo de' Medici, he will sail the Black Sea to Trebizond, last outpost of Byzantium, and the last jewel missing from the crown of the Ottoman Empire. But trouble lies ahead. Nicholas's stepdaughter—at the tender age of thirteen—has eloped with his rival in trade: a Machiavellian Genoese who races ahead of Nicholas, sowing disaster at every port. And time is of the essence: Trebizond may fall to the Turks at any moment. Crackling with wit, breathtakingly paced, The Spring of the Ram is a pyrotechnic blend of scholarship and narrative shimmering with the scents, sounds, colors, and combustible emotions of the fifteenth century.

©1987 Dorothy Dunnett (P)2023 Tantor

Perfect!

Could not be better. Kept me enthralled for a month. So glad it is now available.

From Bruges to Byzantium and back!

An adventure, a harrowing chase, a view into 15th century European trade customs and competition, and many unforgettable characters, with some of the best writing (and narration) you’ll ever find. A smarmy villain and a hero who still has a lot to prove.

If five stars describes other authors it does not reach Dunnett's works'

As in her every book including her hilarious detective works, Dorothy Dunnett is the best writer of my lifetime of reading.

Superb

Both the opulent text, full of historically accurate detail, and JohnBanks’ narration are amazing! I love this series-one can listen to it many times and it’s always fresh with details missed the times before. Bravo.

Excellent

Bravo to the late Lady Dunnett. There is none to compare with her gift of the telling of stories.

Wonderful

The narrator is excellent, as though coached by Dorothy herself. So great to have this available in audio!!

Plot

Dorothy Dunnett is a master storyteller. Her mastery of the history of the period — culture, politics, intrigues, everyday life — are unparalleled in a fictional series.

Excellent Hostorical Fiction

What can I say. Dorothy Dunnett surpasses herself in every book. I have read and reread her Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolo many times, and there is always something new to discover.

Painful I slow

I love the historical period and overall perspective, but I did not enjoy this book. The pace is slow and much of the plot and dialogue revolves around creepy sex…and I am not prudish.