Even in an age of skyscrapers and sports stadiums, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, with its immense dome, retains a rare power ...
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Jun 29, 2011
Bird Brian
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There must have been something in the water in Florence, Italy during the 13, 14, and 1500's... the amount of genius that city has produced continues to stagger the imagination: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonerotti, ... and now (I discover) Brunelleschi. There's no denying the simple beauty of the Florence cathedral's Rennaissance "five-point" dome, shelled in brilliant terra cotta, and topped with a distinctive "lantern" -whose origins are also covered in the bo
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Dec 23, 2010
Monica
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(Nov '08)-Have to put this aside, have to cram on South America...Dec. '10-- Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture, by Ross King, was scholarly, yet had a lighter touch than most art history dissertations. It was even a best seller. Extremely well researched, it details the competition and execution of the building of the dome of the cathedral in Florence, an architectural and artistic accomplishment few understand. The scope King gives us, although at times heavi
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Aug 09, 2010
Amie
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This was a fascinating book about the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. It talks about Filippo Brunelleschi, and his absolute genius in constructing a dome that spans 140 feet, without any sort of supporting framework. He solved each problem as it arose, and even invented a lot of the machinery and equipment he needed.
It is amazing to me that a good portion of the duomo had been built before there was even a call for plans to construct the dome. Still more amazing that More...
It is amazing to me that a good portion of the duomo had been built before there was even a call for plans to construct the dome. Still more amazing that More...
Sep 03, 2007
Teresa
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I found the first half of the book much more interesting than the second half: the innovation in the architecture of the dome held much more narrative interest in than the chapters on the various machines invented in order to construct the thing. Although it has been several years since I read the book, I do also recall being vaguely disappointed with the ending: The Dome Goes Up! Still, an incredibly interesting portrait of the convergence of many sciences in this beautiful masterpiece.
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Oct 18, 2011
This book combines all pop science's dread of technical detail with pop history's rapacity for gossip and speculation. It's kind of a haphazard book, basically a chronological collection of strange anecdotes with an alarming tendency to allude to the fact that no one knows what they're talking about because this all happened at the turn of the 14th century and we can't actually see the innards of the dome and observe how it is keeping itself up. That being said, "weirdly random collection o
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Mar 22, 2011
Lucy
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Gee, when I was younger, I thought I wanted to be an architect. I didn't pursue it because I knew I was terrible at math. What I didn't take into account was my complete lack of physics knowledge. After reading this book, I know I made the right decision.
There is A LOT of description of pulleys, machines, construction, etc.. I didn't understand most of it. I felt like an idiot. I was determined to persevere and finish slogging through this book. I did it, but not without falling asl More...
There is A LOT of description of pulleys, machines, construction, etc.. I didn't understand most of it. I felt like an idiot. I was determined to persevere and finish slogging through this book. I did it, but not without falling asl More...
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Aug 20, 2011
Kristine
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Here is a well-done non-fiction book about Florence, Italy, in the early 1400s that introduces readers to an amazing Renaissance man called Filippo Brunelleschi who spent nearly thirty years of his life finding a way to build what is today still the world's largest dome.
This is a book that might appeal to those with special interests in architecture, architectural history, structural engineering, and Renaissance life and history in addition to those who have already visited Florenc More...
This is a book that might appeal to those with special interests in architecture, architectural history, structural engineering, and Renaissance life and history in addition to those who have already visited Florenc More...
May 02, 2010
Tiffany
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A truly fascinating account of the daring construction of the dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. Remaining to this day a marvel of architectural achievement, built without central support and in a size surpassing any other brick and mortar dome construction ever accomplished, in many ways it shouldn't have been possible. The genius of Brunelleschi in not only designing and overseeing the construction of the dome, but also constructing many new machines to aid in the cons
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Jul 12, 2007
Namrirru
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This book is well and clearly written. I was really caught up in the drama and intrigue, rooting for poor Filippo. But then I finished and reflected... Considering that this project took over a quarter of a century, a few major setbacks should have been expected. And jealosy and backstabbing come with any trade that has a lot of prestige and money involved. Filippo really didn't have it so bad, the author just makes a good drama out of it.
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Dec 12, 2011
Kathy
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I read this book for a book group I am in. This is my review to them.
I now have an urge to visit Florence! Despite my initial thoughts about reading it, and disappointment that it wasn't another "Pillars of the Earth" I have enjoyed learning about this dome and about the building methods used. Even learning some history along the way (history was never my subject).
Like others, I am amazed that this building (and of course we're surrounded by old buildings) is still s More...
I now have an urge to visit Florence! Despite my initial thoughts about reading it, and disappointment that it wasn't another "Pillars of the Earth" I have enjoyed learning about this dome and about the building methods used. Even learning some history along the way (history was never my subject).
Like others, I am amazed that this building (and of course we're surrounded by old buildings) is still s More...
Jan 25, 2011
David
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In Brunelleschi’s Dome Ross King describes the often troubled career and life of Filippo Brunelleschi, the mastermind and genius behind the construction of the great Doma in Florence. This dome is still the largest masonry dome constructed even today, with a diameter of 140 feet (the Capital building dome is only 95 feet). His ingenuous construction methods eliminated the center timber supports that most arches and domes used up to that point in time. With interlocking bricks, sandstone circu
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Jan 12, 2012
Ted
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I read this book about a year before six of us traveled to Italy. A fantastic book from engineering, history of the Renaissance, and history of architecture viewpoints. Having read the book, I knew er had to visit Florence and climb up to the top of the il Duomo. I spent many weeks before we left walking up and down two flights of stairs in our house to prepare myself. It was a wonderful experience, a great view from up there (the Duomo that is, not the top of my stairs).
If you eve More...
If you eve More...
Feb 28, 2011
mahatma
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cerita mengenai kejeniusan brunelleschi ini pasti dilandasi riset yang baik: teliti, lengkap dan akurat.
sebagai buahnya, dapat disajikan hubungan antara proses pembangunan kubah gereja ini dengan lingkungan atau situasi sosial florence di masanya.
narasinya hidup.
hubungan produksi arsitektur yang teknis itu dengan baik dijelaskan dengan situasi kekayaan kota perdagangan tadi, dijelaskan pula mengenai adanya budak-budak muslim dari turki dan berbagai tempat sekitar laut tengah, y More...
sebagai buahnya, dapat disajikan hubungan antara proses pembangunan kubah gereja ini dengan lingkungan atau situasi sosial florence di masanya.
narasinya hidup.
hubungan produksi arsitektur yang teknis itu dengan baik dijelaskan dengan situasi kekayaan kota perdagangan tadi, dijelaskan pula mengenai adanya budak-budak muslim dari turki dan berbagai tempat sekitar laut tengah, y More...
Dec 04, 2010
Steve
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After watching a PBS show on Gothic architecture I picked this long forgotten book off of my shelves and went to it. Different style of design, but same general area of interest. Ross King has nicely taken a lot of literature geared more towards the academic or professional sphere and put it in an easy to read form for the general reader. Short book, I really did miss more illustrations - often it was hard to visualize some of the building techniques he was describing. And no images of the f
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Jan 16, 2012
Sandra
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In addition to learning about dome building, (which I really hadn't considered the difficulties of previously,) the first several chapters continued to enlighten me on what it was like to live in the 14th and 15th centuries. The plague was a constant population thinner. You worked, if you were lucky, 14-16 hours a day, 6 days a week. No benefits. they did bury you for free if you fell to your death. Sorry for digressing, back to the focus of the booki..........The question still seems to be
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Oct 09, 2010
Robin
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At first I thought this book was too full of engineering terms and equipment and measurements, but the author needed to impart this part of the story. I finished this in 24 hours, I had to re-read parts to gain a better understanding. It is a cut and dried approach, but it brought home the fact that this amazing man did great and outstanding work. He was ahead of his time as far as developing equipment to hoist marble and bricks up to the cupola of the dome. He started out as a goldsmith and
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Jul 19, 2010
Shannon
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I picked this book up in anticipation of a trip to Florence, and after reading it, my excitement to visit Brunelleschi's famed dome increased quite a bit.
Although filled with an abundance of architectural, engineering, and mathematical information (that was, quite honestly, a bit over my head), Ross King manages to write a book that truly conveys the sheer magnitude of the innovation and creativity involved in creating the Duomo of Florence. In addition to describing the specifics, h More...
Although filled with an abundance of architectural, engineering, and mathematical information (that was, quite honestly, a bit over my head), Ross King manages to write a book that truly conveys the sheer magnitude of the innovation and creativity involved in creating the Duomo of Florence. In addition to describing the specifics, h More...
Nov 09, 2011
Ralph
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The book centers on the construction of the "Duomo" - Santa Maria del Fiore and its engineering genius Filippo Brunelleschi. The architectural challenges and solutions, the politics and the competition surrounding the construction of this marvel makes for a good read. However, the best thing about this book, by far, is that it captures the spirit, creativeness, and problem-solving capability of the people of the Renaissance. "Pippo" Brunelleschi not only changed construction
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Dec 03, 2011
P_campbe
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My first non-fiction book in some time and I can't wait to ready Ross King's Pope's Ceiling next. Ross King writes very fluid like he is talking in conversation with you about this amazing feat and brilliant piece of architecture. I appreciate his excitement and eagerness to share Fillipo's life and the life of the Santa Maria dome (of which I have spent time in and love as well). A must read for anyone who is interested in architecture or how things work. I also want to thank Ross King for
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Sep 27, 2010
Stephanie
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The book gave an interesting perspective on the construction of the Duomo in Florence. What I found especially interesting was that Brunelleschi was really quite a visionary mechanical engineer. In addition to finding a way to construct the enormous dome, he also invented the machines to transport tons of materials up a couple of hundred feet to the workmen, as well as other machines for the precise placement of large blocks. After Brunelleschi's death, these machines were still in place and
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Jul 25, 2011
Mike
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A wonderful tale of how Florence became the pre-eminent city of the western world and dragged Europe out of the Dark Ages. Brunelleschi, an arrogant and easily dislikeable architect and artist, seeks to complete one of the greatest structures man had ever created - the Santa Maria del Fiore - which had lain roofless for decades awaiting just such a man. The politics, intrigue and personal rivalry between those who sought fame and riches by completing the project are magnificently woven together
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Feb 03, 2009
Cynthia Karl
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Interesting read - if you've never been to Florence think of "Room With A View" which has a view of the spectacular dome. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1296 and building began based on some drawings. What is amazing is that nobody had any idea how to build the dome. In 1418 as the nave was nearing completion a competition was held to determine the best plan for the dome. Until the use of modern materials the height and span of the dome has never been surpassed
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Aug 27, 2010
Alex
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Cool little book. Not exactly crucial to anything, but it gives some nice flavor of life in the early Renaissance, and of the return of architecture - and at 167 pages, it's only an afternoon's commitment anyway. David Macaulay's Cathedral would be an excellent companion read, and I found it useful to refer to this big-ass picture of the dome from time to time.
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Oct 17, 2011
Charlene
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A short history (167 pages) of the construction of Florence's cathedral, with emphasis on the dome & the man who figured out how to build it. I skimmed the more technical parts about hoists and cranes but really enjoyed the picture of medieval Florence that book gives -- with the rivalries among the artists, the power of the wool guild, and the everyday life of the masons and other workers on the cathedral. For many people, including Brunneleschi, the cathedral was their life work. Book also
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Sep 18, 2010
Timmothy
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Brunelleschi's Dome is an extremely readable book of the history of the dome of Florence's Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore: the technical problems and the genius of the man who solved them. King is a master storyteller who weaves the history of the time and place and a nailbiting tale of faith, genius, and overcoming unsurmountable obstacles. The beautiful cathedral is reason enough to visit Florence. This book will ensure your pilgrimage is even more special. Ross King is the author of anoth
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Jan 05, 2009
Margaret
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When I visited Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, our guide told us about the architectural wonder of Brunelleschi in designing and constructing the dome so I wanted to know more about it. I had difficulty following much of the technical details about the design but did enjoy the book because of the historical details provided. Brunelleschi had many rivals and one culminated in him expressing his dislike for the other man in a sonnet! The great Michelangelo studied this dome to plan the design f
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Oct 17, 2010
Dvora
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At first I found it seriously boring, but when I gave myself to read through the technical parts without worrying about understanding it all, I began to enjoy it more. The Dome was an incredible and extremely interesting project to read about, and Bruneslleschi was clearly a genius. King alluded to some kind of crisis and the downfall of our hero, but they all turned out to be minor setbacks in his career than actual downfalls. This was misleading and a bit annoying. But overall, because of
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Sep 14, 2010
Sarah
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No dome in history has been able to rival the dome at Santa Maria del Fiore - not the done in D.C., or the dome at St. Peters. The author does a fantastic job of bringing Brunelleschi, its main architect, alive. This isn't just a story about the building of the dome, however, but it also the story of a very quirkly and very ingenious man. A man who was not only a renaissance architect but also an ingenius engieer without whose inventions the building of this dome would not have been possible.
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Jul 10, 2009
Geoff
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This book kind of reads like a college essay- full of details, footnotes and tangential information thrown in to increase the length. I found the building design parts the most interesting, but was kind of underwhelmed by the 'scandals' the author referred to. I think additional pictures of the dome would have helped at certain points, as I had to search through my own photos to see what the author was explaining from time to time.
An ok read if you have been or will be visiting Firen More...
An ok read if you have been or will be visiting Firen More...
Jul 30, 2011
Spencer
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“Brunelleschi’s Dome” by Ross King is a little marvel (only 167 pages) as the dome itself is a huge and ingenious triumph. The compelling story of Filippo Brunelleschi and his decade’s long quest to build the dome, the book combines two of my favorite interests: history and architecture.
In 1418 a competition was announced to build an impossibly huge dome on the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, a building already under construction for more than a century. The idea was that somehow a way More...
In 1418 a competition was announced to build an impossibly huge dome on the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, a building already under construction for more than a century. The idea was that somehow a way More...
