Originally published in 1909, as part of the Cambridge Historical Series, this book presents a detailed account of the main events and key phases in Italian history between 1494 and 1790. The text is divided into three main parts, with some overlaps: part one covers 1494 to 1559; part two covers 1559 to 1700; part three covers 1690 to 1790. The first part is treated as an introduction to the final two parts, which discuss relatively neglected periods of Italian history. A detailed bibliography is also included. This is a highly readable book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in historiography and perspectives on Italian history.