Lorenzo de Medici (1449-1492) was the ruler of Florence and the principal statesman of his time. A contemporary of Columbus, Lorenzo is hardly known in the English-speaking world as a major writer, author of a large and varied body of poetry as well as an important literary treatise. His poetry and patronage were instrumental in renewing the vernacular literature of his age after a period of stagnation. Medici is now seen as one of the most interesting exponents of the cultural renaissance that he encouraged. His longer poems in particular reveal the central concerns, everyday activities and favourite ideas of his day. His poetic realism is that which sets him apart from his age, yet makes him such a vivid portrayer of it.