I enjoyed this overview of that most fascinating historical periods. It might also be subtitled "How 15th Century Italy Woke Up the World." Johnson (whose "History of Christianity" I read decades ago) gives a basic overview of the period, including technological and economic conditions. Then he addresses the "awakening" in four separate sections: literature, sculpture, architecture, and painting. Since it's a "short history" I was often left wanting more; but I enjoyed his overview of the relationships between people and events, and how the Renaissance unfolded and expanded. He talks about the Renaissance being "primarily a human event" and introduces the lives of the great men who were a part of it. It got to be annoying in the audiobook that every character's name was followed by the years of his birth and death. Oh, and it's hard to listen to this kind of book without pictures! I tried to imagine the buildings and works of art in my mind, but there were many where I really wanted to be looking at a photo while the item was described. Nevertheless, a worthwhile book as an introduction or review.