Three Florentines-Amerigo Vespucci, Giovanni da Verazzano, and Filippo Mazzei-made indispensable contributions to America's "discovery" and to the democratic ideals upon which the republic was founded. Vespucci and Verrazano, two representatives of the Renaissance, supplied the geographic conceptualization and detailed surveys of the new continent. Filippo Mazzei, a key figure of the Enlightenment, had an extensive correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, which was crucial to him in his formalization of the concept of constitutional democracy. As Giancarlo Masini and Iacopo Gori show these three sons of Florence demonstrate a unique link between Italian culture and the destiny of the United States.

"HOW FLORENCE INVENTED AMERICA" makes a valuable contribution to the study and enjoyment of our nation's history. It is a well-written reminder of the debt we owe to the Italian people for more than five hundred years of cultural inspiration and nourishment . . . a dazzling reminder of the unique power of the great City of Florence" -- Mario M. Cuomo 7/19/99