Title
Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture,New
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
Anyone alive in Florence on August 19, 1418, would have understood the significance of the competition announced that day concerning the city's magnificent new cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, already under construction for more than a century. 'Whoever desires to make any model or design for the vaulting of the main Dome?shall do so before the end of the month of September.' The proposed dome was regarded far and wide as all but impossible to build: not only would it be enormous, but its original and sacrosanct design eschewed (shunned) the flying buttresses that supported cathedrals all over Europe. The dome would literally need to be erected over thin air.Of the many plans submitted, one stood outa daring and unorthodox solution to vaulting what is still the largest dome (143 feet in diameter) in the world. It was offered not by a master mason or carpenter, but by a goldsmith and clock maker named Filippo Brunelleschi, then 41, who would dedicate the next 28 years to solving the puzzles of the dome's construction. In the process, he did nothing less than reinvent the field of architecture.Brunelleschi's Dome is the story of how a Renaissance genius bent men, materials, and the very forces of nature to build an architectural wonder we continue to marvel at today. Denounced at first as a madman, Brunelleschi was celebrated at the end as a genius. He engineered the perfect placement of brick and stone, built ingenious hoists and cranes (some among the most renowned machines of the Renaissance) to carry an estimated 70 million pounds hundreds of feet into the air, and designed the workers' platforms and routines so carefully that only one man died during the decades of constructionall the while defying those who said the dome would surely collapse and personal obstacles that at times threatened to overwhelm him. This drama was played out amidst plagues, wars, political feuds, and the intellectual ferments of Renaissance Florenceevents Ross King weaves into the story to great effect, from Brunelleschi's bitter, ongoing rivalry with the sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti to the near capture of Florence by the Duke of Milan. King also offers a wealth of fascinating detail that opens windows onto fifteenthcentury life: the celebrated traditions of the brickmaker's art, the daily routine of the artisans laboring hundreds of feet above the ground as the dome grew ever higher, the problems of transportation, the power of the guilds.Even today, in an age of soaring skyscrapers, the cathedral dome of Santa Maria del Fiore retains a rare power to astonish. In telling the story of the greatest engineering puzzle of the Renaissance and one of the world's architectural marvels, Ross King brings its creation to life in a fifteenthcentury chronicle with twentyfirstcentury resonance.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main topic of 'Brunelleschi's Dome'? A: 'Brunelleschi's Dome' explores the life and achievements of Filippo Brunelleschi, focusing on his revolutionary design and construction of the dome for the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The book is authored by Ross King, who provides an in-depth historical narrative about Brunelleschi and the architectural challenges he faced.
- Q: What kind of binding does this book have? A: 'Brunelleschi's Dome' is available in hardcover binding, which is durable and suitable for long-term use.
- Q: When was 'Brunelleschi's Dome' published? A: The book was published on October 1, 2000.
- Q: How many pages are in the book? A: The book contains 194 pages.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: 'Brunelleschi's Dome' is sold as a new item, ensuring it is in pristine condition for readers.
- Q: Is this book suitable for individuals interested in architecture? A: Yes, the book is ideal for those interested in architecture, particularly the innovations and history of the Renaissance period.
- Q: What is the significance of Brunelleschi's work? A: Brunelleschi's work is significant as it represents a turning point in architectural design, showcasing innovative techniques that allowed for the construction of the largest dome of its time.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or diagrams? A: The book may include illustrations and diagrams to help visualize Brunelleschi's architectural concepts and the construction process.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Brunelleschi's Dome'? A: The book explores themes of ingenuity, rivalry, and the historical context of Renaissance Florence, detailing the challenges faced during the dome's construction.