This volume contains the fascinating views of some of the most well-known and influential men of the Renaissance. Here we find interesting information not mentioned in traditional texts. For example we find that Leonardo da Vinci, who is never described as a musician in his biographies, was the best known music performer to those friends who knew him personally.Taken together, this volume is a testimonial to one of history's most important developments. After centuries when the Church assumed the role of speaking for mankind, it was the first characteristic of the Renaissance that the focus began to turn to man himself.