This is the first full scholarly history of Lucca in the fifteenth century, from the overthrow of the Guinigi despotism to the beginning of the French invasion of Italy. Thoroughly grounded in the archives, the study covers a wide range of important themes and topics in Lucchese history. M. E. Bratchel explores both the politics and the economy of the city, examining city This is the first full scholarly history of Lucca in the fifteenth century, from the overthrow of the Guinigi despotism to the beginning of the French invasion of Italy. Thoroughly grounded in the archives, the study covers a wide range of important themes and topics in Lucchese history. M. E. Bratchel explores both the politics and the economy of the city, examining city governance and relations with its subject communities. He sets Lucca in its regional context as an important city-republic and as a neighbor of the large and powerful city of Florence.