William Roscoe's The Life and Pontificate of Leo the Tenth (Vol. I) offers an in-depth biography of Pope Leo X, tracing his Medici family background, education, and early career leading up to his election to the papacy. It explores the political and cultural context of the Renaissance, including Leo X's patronage of the arts. It highlights his role as a patron of great artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo. The volume focuses on his life up to his election to the leadership of the Catholic Church.