A pioneer of Italian Renaissance architecture, Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) is most famous for his daring and original ideas, among them the magnificent dome of Florence's famed cathedral -- Santa Maria del Fiore. For the project, which was started in 1420 and substantially completed by 1434, Brunelleschi designed a huge dome without supporting framework. The construction took place during much of his lifetime and formed the basis of Italian architecture of the period.
Complemented by 28 photographs and 18 line illustrations, this comprehensive narrative describes Brunelleschi's many...