Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's - Softcover

Scotti, R. A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0452288606 ISBN 13: 9780452288607

Publisher: Plume, 2007

Synopsis

In this dramatic journey through religious and artistic history, R. A. Scotti traces the defining event of a glorious epoch: the building of St. Peter?s Basilica. Begun by the ferociously ambitious Pope Julius II in 1506, the endeavor would span two tumultuous centuries, challenge the greatest Renaissance masters?Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bramante?and enrage Martin Luther. By the time it was completed, Shakespeare had written all of his plays, the Mayflower had reached Plymouth?and Rome had risen with its astounding basilica to become Europe?s holy metropolis. A dazzling portrait of human achievement and excess, Basilica is a triumph of historical writing.

About this title

About the Author:

R. A. Scotti is the author of two previous works of nonfiction, including Sudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938, and four novels.

From AudioFile:

Anyone who sees the spectacular Basilica of St. Peter in Rome is awestruck by its sheer size and grandeur but may not be aware of the dramatic history of its creation. The construction of St. Peter's spanned 30 popes and more than 100 years, and its controversial financing provoked the Protestant Reformation. Some of history's best architects and artists, including Raphael, Bramante, Bernini, and a reluctant Michelangelo contributed their creative genius. Josephine Bailey's sophisticated voice is ideal for this earthly tale of power, money, and artistic brilliance. The Italian names and phrases trip gracefully off her tongue, and she smoothly delivers both the glorious and the dark sides of St. Peter's history. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Plume
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0452288606
• ISBN 13: 9780452288607
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352