Italy's Renaissance in Buildings and Gardens - by Frederick Kiefer (Paperback)

About the Book

This book looks at the major buildings and gardens of the Italian Renaissance.

Book Synopsis

This book looks at the major buildings and gardens of the Italian Renaissance.

Review Quotes

'Frederick Kiefer's Italy's Renaissance in Buildings and Gardens: A Personal Journey is a marvelous book-and unique. He gets to the mind and heart of the Italian Renaissance (1400-1600) through a study, scholarly and also very readable, of the buildings and gardens of the age. Using its architecture as his "text," he speaks of the plans of the architect, the building's aesthetics, its history, and its "role" in the political, historical, or in everyday life of the community. His style is that of an intellectual tour guide, accompanying us about Italy, looking at churches, palaces, villas, hospitals, libraries, and gardens. With his impeccable scholarship, he is no less a writer who speaks personally, directly to the reader, as he defines the age through what it built. This is a very unique study.' -Sidney Homan, University of Florida, USA.

'Part travel guide, part historical tour, and part memoir, Frederick Kiefer offers a unique look at well-known sites, as well as some that are less celebrated but entirely worth visiting. With a discerning eye, the author's personal insights set off architectural and horticultural details in a manner that makes a wonderland of places come to life in fresh, exciting ways. This is a volume for seasoned professionals, first-time adventurers, students, instructors, the general reader, and, really, us all.' -S. P. Cerasano, Edgar W. B. Fairchild Professor of Literature, Colgate University, USA.

About the Author

Frederick Kiefer is University Distinguished Professor in the English Department at the University of Arizona, Tucson.