Apprentice of Florence
Encyclopedia
The Apprentice of Florence by Anne Dempster Kyle is a children's
historical novel
set in 15th century Italy
and Constantinople
. It was published in 1933 and was a Newbery Honor
recipient in 1934. The book is illustrated by Erick Berry.
The novel is set principally in 1453, the year when Constantinople fell
to the besieging Turks. It follows the adventures of sixteen-year-old Nemo, apprenticed to a silk merchant of Florence, who accompanies the merchant's son to Constantinople on business.
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
historical novel
Historical novel
According to Encyclopædia Britannica, a historical novel is-Development:An early example of historical prose fiction is Luó Guànzhōng's 14th century Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which covers one of the most important periods of Chinese history and left a lasting impact on Chinese culture.The...
set in 15th century Italy
Italian Renaissance
The Italian Renaissance began the opening phase of the Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement in Europe that spanned the period from the end of the 13th century to about 1600, marking the transition between Medieval and Early Modern Europe...
and Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
. It was published in 1933 and was a Newbery Honor
Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ...
recipient in 1934. The book is illustrated by Erick Berry.
The novel is set principally in 1453, the year when Constantinople fell
Fall of Constantinople
The Fall of Constantinople was the capture of the capital of the Byzantine Empire, which occurred after a siege by the Ottoman Empire, under the command of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, against the defending army commanded by Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI...
to the besieging Turks. It follows the adventures of sixteen-year-old Nemo, apprenticed to a silk merchant of Florence, who accompanies the merchant's son to Constantinople on business.