| Niccolo Rising: The First Book of The House of Niccolo | 
 enlarge | Author: Dorothy Dunnett
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book
List Price: $15.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  30 reviews
Sales Rank: 36097
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st Vintage Books Ed
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 496
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 0375704779
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9780375704772
ASIN: 0375704779
Publication Date: March 30, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
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 Good news bad news November 3, 2008
First the good news: the second and third books are both great reads: vintage Dunnett with complicated interesecting plots and schemes punctuated by periods of intense page turning action as her hero moves through fascinating historical and geographical settings. The bad news is this first book is not nearly as good as what follows. In fairness, I am more interested in the settings of books 2 and 3 so that may be prejudicing me -- as perhaps does the fact that Dunnett is an author you have to aclimate yourself too in that she does like such detail rich stories and plots that involve the complicated political climates of her story's setting. That said, this book simply seemed less well sticthed together than her other works I have read. While you might just skip it and read the snoposis that is included in book 2, probably not the right approach given the complex tapestry that Dunnett delights in weaving (and so much of the subsequent plots are set up in book one). So two pieces of advice -- if you like the Lymond chronicals (her first series) or dense* historical fiction, this series is worth delving into. The second piece of advice is don't give up after this book if your are less than blown away -- the following books will repay your persistence.
*By dense -- I mean an attention to detail and really seeking to embed her characters in the historical world she has placed them in vs just having it as a background. Patrick O'Brien did this in his Aubrey novels for example.
 Wonderful Dunnett May 1, 2008
Having read and adored all of the Lymond books and fallen in love with Francis Crawford I was expecting the Niccolo books to be a bit of a let down. On the contrary this first in the series is completely and awe inspiringly wonderful. Set in 15th C Bruges and all over Europe eventually, it tells the story of Claes/Nicholas/Niccolo and his progression from lowly dyers apprentice to respected merchant. His character and talents are unveiled in the course of the book and the adventures and countries he travels through are brilliantly brought to life. You get a real taste of what it must have been like to live in medieval times and its all set very accurately in its historical context. Can't recommend it highly enough - a thoroughly satisfying and exciting read.
Amazingly surprising January 9, 2008
First, the "House of Niccolo" should be read BEFORE the "chronicle of Limond" because this collection sets the stage for Limond to arrive.
Secondly, one shall not expect, right away to enter with ease into the 1st volume. It explains the birth of the banking system, the mercantile system and so on. No matter how brilliant you are, one has to explain it to be able to build on it. And that's what Dunnett does with elegance. Do not drop the book, it takes few chapters and then starts the fabulous ascension of Nicholas.
Each book happens in a different country. I've visited all but one and Dunnett left me breathless. Again, you can't put any book down. So, stick to it and you'll have a great reward of knowledge, history and fiction. Niccolo more than Lymond is a great peace of Art. Enjoy.
Mid-15th Century Adventures November 21, 2007
Author Dunnett keeps your attention with Jack Aubrey/Stephen Maturin-like pace to these adventures in central Europe of the mid-15th century, complete with characters of nobility, talent, and daring, people of average gifts, and some genuinely bad folks.
The rise of Niccolo: mysterious, elusive genius July 22, 2007
'From Venice to Cathay, from Seville to the Gold Coast of Africa, men anchored their ships and opened their ledgers and weighed one thing against another as if nothing would change.'
Thus opens the first book (of eight) of Dorothy Dunnett's 'House of Niccolo'. This book is set in Renaissance Europe where trade, travel, intrigue and politics provide a wonderful backdrop to the story of Niccolo. Meticulously researched and beautifully crafted, this novel provides both history and fiction in a way that enables the reader to enjoy the latter without being overwhelmed by the former.
I first read this book over 20 years ago. I continue to reread the series because there is always something new to discover, or some event to (re)interpret.
Highly recommended to all who love their historical fiction filled with complex plots, unrelenting action and knowledge which is conveyed with enthusiasm.
Enter the world of Niccolo!
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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