The Coiner. Chapter 1. Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Chapter 4. Chapter 5. Chapter 6. Chapter 8. Chapter 9. Chapter Chapter 7. Characters, cities, documents. The publisher's website: www. The authors' website: www. The partial or total reproduction of this book, in electronic form or otherwise, is consented to for non-commercial purposes, provided that the original copyright notice and this notice are included and the publisher and source are clearly acknowledged.
Papers used by Random House for the non-electronic edition of this book are natural, recyclable products made from wood grown in sustainable forests. The manifacturing process conform to the environmental regulations of the country of origin. The meticulous handwriting, no smudges, tiny. Names, places, dates, reflections. The notebook of the final fevered days. The coin of the kingdom of the mad dangles on my chest to remind me of the eternal oscillation of human fortunes.
The names are the names of the dead. My names, and those who have travelled those twisting paths. I want to recall everything, right from the beginning, the details, chance, the flow of events. Before distance obscures my backward glance, muffling the hubbub of voices, of weapons, armies, laughter, shouts. And at the same time only distance allows us to go back to a likely beginning. At the age of twenty-three. The biggest ecclesiastical principality in Germany awaits the appointment of a new bishop.
If he wins the appointment, Albert will get his hands on a third of the whole German territory. He makes his offer: 14, ducats for the archbishopric, plus 10, for the papal dispensation that allows him to hold all these offices. The deal is negotiated via the Fugger bank of Augsburg, which anticipates the sum required. Once the operation is concluded Albert owes the Fuggers 30, ducats.
The bankers decree the mode of payment. Albert must promote the sale of the indulgences for Pope Leo X in his territory. Only half of the takings will go to the Roman builders. Albert will use the rest to pay the Fuggers. Frederick is collecting indulgences himself, through the sale of relics. A ticket to paradise is worth the trip. The coming and going of souls in search of reassurance infuriates a young Augustinian friar, a doctor at Wittenberg university. To the most illustrious and reverend lord and honourable master Giovanni Pietro Carafa, at the theological meeting held by His Holiness Leo X, in Rome.
