Ross King (1) (1962–)

Ross King's book about Vespasiano da Bistricci, a bookseller who lived in Florence during the Renaissance is packed with information. His research is extensive and, I guess, this is why the book stretches to 400 pages. I was fascinated by the stories about handmaking book making and what was involved in the 15th century, the scholars and rich people Vespasiano rubbed shoulders with and the emergence of printing presses that eventually reached Florence. However, I was flagging by the end and probably skipped quickly through some fascinating sections. Ross King has moments when he conjures up the 15th century streets of Florence vividly and I loved these. I learnt plenty from the book.… (mer)

This isn't your average art history book. King's story of how the famous dome atop the Santa Maria del Fiore was born is engrossing and entertaining. This isn't just a book for engineers or art history nerds. It's an approachable tale to fifteenth century Florence and one of the greatest architectural marvels of that time.

Paragraphs of engineering details are broken up by Brunelleschi's colorful life: the pranks he played, the feuds he fought, and the secrets he kept. Readers come away, not just knowing how the dome was constructed, by who constructed it. Filippo Brunelleschi could be a called a late bloomer, as he doesn't start gaining recognition until well into adulthood, compared to his peers. Once he arrives on the scene, however, his genius makes up for lost time. Winning contest after contest with his inventions that helped construct the famous dome, it almost becomes funny just how intelligent Brunelleschi is. Even so, he still inspires awe.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in architecture, the Italian Renaissance, or a light history read. It's short, and a great addition to any library.… (mer)