From Library Journal
Although most of Cellini's works in precious metals have been melted down, one surviving gold saltceller, which he completed for Francois I of France, and a number of major sculptures have secured his reputation as one of the finest Italian artists in the generation after Michelangelo. But he is most celebrated for his autobiography, which chronicles with unflagging energy and force one of the most tempestuous lives?and one of the largest egos?in all of history. Cellini served dukes, bishops, cardinals, and kings and queens of several nations, and he quarreled with them all, including two popes, one of whom, by Cellini's account, tried to murder him. He confesses to several murders himself, at least one rape, a notorious prison-break, innumerable fights and feuds. He also claims a pivotal role in defending Rome against invasion. From its first appearance in 1728 (150 years after his death), this portrait of a fanatical individualist helped define our notion of the Renaissance. The vigorous translation by John Addington Symonds (uncredited by the producer?a recurring fault) is superbly realized by British narrator Robert Whitfield, successfully bringing to tape Cellini's unforgettable story. Highly recommended for all collections.?Peter Josyph, New YorkCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Enter the sixteenth-century world of Italy and the Vatican, where Cellini, a master goldsmith and sculptor, lived and flourished. Whitfield brings Cellini's autobiography to life, fluently rolling Italian and English words off his tongue and capturing the flavor of the tale. Cellini tells of his adventures, his encounters with DaVinci and Michelangelo, the Medicis and other famous people of his era. The minute details recounted by Cellini are gracefully read by Whitfield, who breathes life into this fascinating autobiography. M.B.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Language Notes
Text: English, Italian (translation)

Download Description
The gentlewoman, also slightly blushing, said: You know well that I want you to serve me; and reaching me the lily, told me to take it away; and gave me besides twenty golden crowns which she had in her bag, and added: Set me the jewel after the fashion you have sketched, and keep for me the old gold in which it is now set. On this the Roman lady observed: If I were in that young mans body, I should go off without asking leave. Madonna Porzia replied that virtues rarely are at home with vices, and that if I did such a thing, I should strongly belie my good looks of an honest man.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Life was never dull for the gifted Italian sculptor and goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, if one is to believe the grandiose assertions in his autobiography. With an artist's eye for detail and a curmudgeon's penchant for complaints, Cellini supplies an occasionally suspect but always entertaining account of his flamboyant exploits in the tumultuous 16th-century world of Galileo, Michelangelo and the Medicis. Written between 1558 and 1562, this colorful chronicle still stands as one of the foremost firsthand accounts of Renaissance Italy. Translated by renowned 19th-century author John Addington Symonds, this edition is further enhanced by dozens of b&w line drawings and 16 full-color illustrations by Salvador Dali.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Benvenuto Cellini was a celebrated goldsmith and distinguished sculptor, yet it is on his autobiography that much of his fame rests. Begun in Florence when he was fifty-eight, it was primarily intended to be the story of his life and art, his tragedies and triumphs. However, as he was an active participant in the wars and struggles of the period, and drew his friends and enemies from all levels of society, it became a vivid and convincing portrait of the manners and morals both of the rulers of the sixteenth century and of their subjects.