The Architecture of the Italian Renaissance (Paperback)

by Peter Murray (Author) "Italian architecture does not begin with the year 1300; but this book begins in the thirteenth century because it must begin somewhere, and also because..." (more)
Key Phrases: classical temple front, mezzanine windows, greater guilds, Sta Maria, Giulio Romano, Palazzo Medici (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
This classic guide appears in paperback to appeal to new audiences, revising the prior edition and providing over two hundred illustrations along with its history of Italy's Renaissance revolution. A recommended basic for any studying the Italian Renaissance. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description
A handsome reissue of a classic guide to the architecture of Renaissance Italy indispensable to travelers, students, and architecture buffs alike and still the most comprehensive and accessible overview available. Photos and drawings throughout.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Schocken; Rei Sub edition (May 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805210822
• ISBN-13: 978-0805210828
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #340,840 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > History & Periods > Renaissance
  #61 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > International > European

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Armchair Guide to Renaissance Architecture, March 16, 2001

By	Charles L Fremont (Webster Groves, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This well-illustrated, tightly-crafted paperback is a pleasure to read. By well-illustrated I don't mean fancy. You won't find big color photographs, but you will see what the author is talking about. Murray is not only an expert on the subject; he's a good writer, and I know of no other book that so effortlessly leads the reader through the story of how the wonderful Renaissance architecture of Venice, Rome, and particularly Florence came to be. If you want to know WHY those churches and palaces look that way, and why it matters, this is your book. I especially recommend it to Florence-bound travelers.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An accessible presentation for non-academics, January 8, 2000

By A Customer

I am not an academic, so I cannot judge the accuracy or importance of this book from a historical perspective. I bought this book to help prepare for a trip to Tuscany and Umbria, and was pleasantly suprised to find it very readable and even difficult to put down. I am now more excited than ever to visit not only the famous sites such as the Duomo and Palazzi in Florence, but also lesser known sites such as Lucca's Palazzo dello Signoria and its Piazza and fountain, by the Mannerist Amanetti. I wish I had this book before my visit to St. Peter's in Rome, because the knowledge of the succession of architects and their circumstances would have made my visit even more rewarding, if that could be possible.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding introduction , November 11, 2006

By	doc peterson (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

For the layperson who is interested in the evolution of renaissance architecture, this is the book I would recommend. It is easy to read without swamping the reader with architectual jargon, while remaining informative. The abundance of illustrations and structural diagrams further help the understanding of how these buildings are important historically, as well as pointing out the artistic merits of them. Highly recommended, particularly for those visting Italy - it will clarify and deepen your understanding of renaissance structures.