Ross King is a bestselling author of books on Italian, French and Canadian art and history. Best known are Brunelleschi’s Dome and Michelangelo & the Pope’s Ceiling. He has also published two novels, a biography of Niccolò Machiavelli, and a collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s fables, jokes and riddles. Ross’s newest book is The Shortest History of Italy covering 3,000 years of Italian history and culture from Ancient Rome to COVID-19.
Mr King is an active fundraiser for the arts and a passionate lecturer and tour guide. He has participated in numerous study tours throughout Italy, including in Rome, Assisi and Milan. He is a regular participant in the Italian Renaissance seminars at the Aspen Institute, and has given Impressionist tours of Paris, Normandy, Brittany and Provence. He has lectured in many American museums, including at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Frick Collection, and the National Gallery.