Art & Architecture : FLORENCE

Rating:
Summary: Great Litte Book!
Review: A great little book chock full of beautiful color photographs on every page! On a tour of Italy, little time was spent in Florence, and this book clearly showed me what I missed. Now I know I will HAVE to go back. A great value.

Rating:
Summary: AN ASTONISHING BOOK...
Review: As a confirmed Firenzephile,I thought I had already purchased and read all the current books on this perfect city, but have now discovered that one of the very best was still waiting for me.

With R. W. B. Lewis' The City of Florence as the best book with which to prepare for a trip to Florence and the Eyewitness Guide to Florence and Tuscany as the best travel guide, I would suggest this very pleasing, square volume as the other book to take with you. ( I am in danger of getting into list-mania here!)

This book is arranged by sections of the city, beginning with a fold-out map of each area followed by photographs, diagrams and essays on each notable monument and what it houses. Furthermore there are interesting and manageable additions concerning history, architectural terms, information on artists, other notable persons, a time line and more.

I have lived in Florence and can assure you that the photographs are splendid and the information inclusive,well researched and concise. While certainly being perhaps the world's most intimate major city, it is also one of overwhelming richness and density (this is why there is included a charming essay on Stendahl Syndrome-don't miss it!). To have made so much information manageable is quite a remarkable feat.