Histoire de la République de Gênes by Emile Vincens

(4 User reviews)   2853
By Charlotte Girard Posted on Jan 2, 2026
In Category - Philosophy
Vincens, Emile, 1764-1850 Vincens, Emile, 1764-1850
French
Ever wonder how a tiny city-state could become a Mediterranean superpower? 'Histoire de la République de Gênes' is like uncovering a lost episode of history. This isn't just about Genoa—it's about how a scrappy republic of merchants and sailors built a financial empire, fought off bigger rivals, and shaped Europe's fate for centuries. Vincens writes with a clear, almost novelistic energy, making you feel the salt spray and hear the clink of gold ducats. The real mystery isn't what happened, but how this powerhouse managed to punch so far above its weight for so long. If you love stories of underdog empires, this is your next read.
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devices and articles as will add to one's personal comfort and welfare. It is, therefore, the aim of this book to suggest certain diversions of this character for the boy camper which, aside from affording him plenty of physical exercise, will also develop his mental faculties, and above all stimulate that natural genius which is characteristic of every typical American boy. To this end the story contains descriptions of a large collection of articles which can be made by any boy of average intelligence, not only in the camp but at home as well. The use of a narrative to connect the various incidents marks a departure in this class of book, and it is believed that the matter will thus be made more realistic and interesting. In all cases full directions are given for making the various articles. While it is not presumed that the directions will be slavishly followed, for this would defeat the general aim of the work, yet all the principal dimensions are given so that they can be used, if desired. I beg to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Daniel C. Beard and Mr. Henry D. Cochrane in supplying a number of photographs. The directions for making the lee boards (page 119) were obtained from data furnished by the latter. Many of the details recorded in the chapter on Tramping Outfits are to be accredited to Mr. Edward Thorpe. In the preparation of this book I have received valuable assistance from my colleague, Mr. A. A. Hopkins. A. RUSSELL BOND. New York, October, 1905. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. PAGE "BILL" 17 The Old Trunk. Christmas Vacation. "Bill's" Skate Sail. Willow Clump Island. Organizing the Society. CHAPTER II. SKATE SAILS 26 The Double Swedish Sail. The Single Swedish Sail. The Lanteen Sail. The Danish Sail. Bat's Wings. CHAPTER III. SNOW SHOES, SKIS AND SWAMP SHOES 35 Chair Seat Snow Shoe. Barrel Stave Snow Shoe. Barrel Hoop Snow Shoe. The Sioux Snow Shoe. The Iroquois Snow Shoe. The Ainu Snow Shoe. The Norwegian Ski. The Swamp Shoe or Swiss Snow Shoe. CHAPTER IV. TENT MAKING 44 Farewell Meeting. Word from Uncle Ed. The Canvas Tent. Adjustable Ridge Pole. Tie Blocks. The Annex. CHAPTER V. PREPARING FOR THE EXPEDITION 53 Tent Fly. Provisions and Supplies. Umbrella Rib Crossbow. Megaphone. The Scow. CHAPTER VI. OFF TO THE ISLAND 63 A Unique Alarm Clock. The Trip to the Island. Preliminary Exploration. A Rustic Table. The Small Filter. The Barrel Filter. The _Klepalo_. CHAPTER VII. SURVEYING 73 The Surveying Instrument. Spirit Levels. The Tripod. Surveyor's Chain. Surveyor's Rod. A Simple Method of Surveying. Mapping the Island. CHAPTER VIII. SWIMMING 84 Swimming on a Plank. Shooting the Rapids. Restoring the Drowned. How to Work over a Patient Alone. CHAPTER IX. BRIDGE BUILDING 95 The Spar Bridge. The Rope Railway. The Suspension Bridge. The Pontoon Bridge. The King Rod Truss. Stiffening the Bridge. The King Post Bridge. CHAPTER X. CANVAS CANOES 109 Uncle Ed's Departure. A Visit from Mr. Schreiner. The Sailing Canoe. Stretching on the Canvas. The Rudder. The Deep Keel. Canoe Sails. Lee Boards. Indian Paddling Canoe. CHAPTER XI. HOUSE BUILDING 124 The Grass Hut. The Goblins' Dancing Platform. Dutchy Takes a Dare. A Path Up the Fissure. Rope Ladders. The Derrick. The Tree House. Sliding Doors. CHAPTER XII. TROUBLE WITH THE TRAMPS 138 The Scow is Stolen. A Council of War. Vengeance. A Double Surprise. Tramp-proof Boat Mooring. CHAPTER XIII. WIGWAGGING AND HELIOGRAPHING 144 Wigwag Signals. The Wigwag Alphabet. Abbreviations. Wigwagging at Night. The Heliograph. The Single Mirror Instrument. The Sight Rod. The Screen. Focusing the Instrument. Heliograph Signaling. The International...

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The Story

This book tells the complete life story of the Republic of Genoa, from its scrappy beginnings around 1000 AD to its final end in 1797. Vincens doesn't just list dates and battles. He shows how Genoa grew from a cluster of coastal villages into a trading giant. You'll follow the fierce rivalry with Venice, the rise of powerful families like the Dorias, and the creation of a banking network that funded kings and popes. The story is full of dramatic turns: naval clashes, political coups, and the constant struggle to stay independent while sandwiched between France, Spain, and the Ottoman Empire.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its focus on people and power. Vincens makes you see the human ambition behind the history. You get a real sense of the merchant-admirals who risked everything on a voyage and the bankers who quietly pulled strings across Europe. It reads less like a dusty academic text and more like a grand, true-life saga about resilience. You come away understanding that Genoa's real legacy wasn't just territory, but its influence on finance, exploration, and Mediterranean culture.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want to move beyond the usual stories of Rome, France, or England. It's also great for anyone who enjoys business or political strategy, as the book is essentially a 700-year case study in survival and influence. The prose is clear and direct, so you don't need a PhD to follow along. If you've ever been curious about the forces that shaped the modern world beyond the headlines, this deep dive into Genoa's forgotten empire is surprisingly relevant and utterly absorbing.



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This title is part of the public domain archive. Knowledge should be free and accessible.

John Sanchez
1 year ago

I stumbled upon this title and the content flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. Thanks for sharing this review.

Emma Lopez
1 year ago

I had low expectations initially, however it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. Exceeded all my expectations.

Christopher Anderson
1 year ago

Citation worthy content.

Jackson Jones
7 months ago

Comprehensive and well-researched.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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