Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned the Renaissance into a page-turning adventure—meet Ross King! With a knack for weaving art, history, and drama, King has brought masterpieces like Brunelleschi’s Dome and Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling to life, earning him a global following. His books don’t just tell stories; they transport you to Florence’s bustling workshops or Monet’s vibrant gardens, making history feel as vivid as today.
Born in Saskatchewan, King’s journey from a small-town scholar to an international bestselling author is as fascinating as his books. Now living in England, he’s not just a writer but a passionate advocate for the arts, guiding tours and fundraising to preserve Florence’s treasures. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Ross King
Ross King was born on July 16, 1962, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, and raised in the tiny village of North Portal. His love for literature bloomed early, leading him to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s in English Literature at the University of Regina, followed by a PhD at York University in Toronto, specializing in eighteenth-century literature. Initially aiming for academia, King moved to England for a postdoctoral fellowship at University College London, but the academic path took a detour. Inspired by his research, he began writing fiction, debuting with the historical novel Domino in 1995, setting the stage for his remarkable career.
Ross King’s Unforgettable Stories
King’s breakthrough came with Brunelleschi’s Dome (2000), a gripping nonfiction account of how Filippo Brunelleschi engineered the iconic dome of Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. The book’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research made it a bestseller, earning the 2000 Book Sense Nonfiction Book of the Year. He followed with Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling (2002), diving into the drama of Michelangelo’s four-year struggle to paint the Sistine Chapel, earning a National Book Critics Circle Award nomination. The Judgment of Paris (2006) explored the birth of Impressionism through the rivalry of painters Ernest Meissonier and Édouard Manet, winning Canada’s Governor-General’s Award. Leonardo and the Last Supper (2012), another Governor-General’s Award winner, unraveled the myths behind da Vinci’s masterpiece with fresh insights.
King’s style blends the pacing of a novelist with the rigor of a historian. Whether he’s exploring Renaissance Florence or Monet’s Water Lilies in Mad Enchantment (2016), his books are accessible yet rich, making complex histories feel like thrilling narratives. His recent work, The Shortest History of Italy (2024), condenses 3,000 years of Italian culture into a brisk, engaging read, proving his versatility.
Why Ross King Matters
Ross King has redefined how we experience art history, turning dusty archives into vibrant stories that resonate with readers worldwide. His books have not only topped bestseller lists but also inspired a deeper appreciation for the human struggles behind iconic works. Beyond writing, King’s work with Friends of Florence and his lively tours of Italy’s art treasures make him a cultural ambassador, preserving and sharing the legacy of the Renaissance. His ability to make history accessible has left a lasting mark on readers and art lovers alike.
- Born: July 16, 1962, Estevan, Saskatchewan
- Key Works: Brunelleschi’s Dome, Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, The Judgment of Paris, Leonardo and the Last Supper
- Awards: 2000 Book Sense Nonfiction Book of the Year, 2006 and 2012 Governor-General’s Awards, 2017 Charles Taylor Prize
- Fun Fact: King lives in Woodstock, England, and is an avid cyclist in the Canadian Rockies.
Snag Brunelleschi’s Dome and dive into Ross King’s thrilling blend of art and history—you’ll never see the Renaissance the same way again!