Sir J R Hale (1923 - 1999) was a British historian and translator, best known for his Renaissance studies.
One of our favourites, for the variety of its entries: Morone, Milanese civil servant; Moroni, painter; music; myth of Venice... Just about every aspect of the Renaissance is systematically and accessibly covered by a host of experts. There are 237 black and white illustrations, plus family trees, maps and a chronological chart. (Kirkus UK)