cover image Mosaics in the Eternal City

Mosaics in the Eternal City

Michael G. Sundell. Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance S, $0 (211pp) ISBN 978-0-86698-376-1

An interesting and comprehensive history of art and life in Rome between 400 and 1300 A.D., this studious volume may not reach the ""informed general reader"" half of its intended audience-vocabulary and background information are not sufficiently explained, even for the ""informed""-but should provide ""the specialist"" with plenty of insight. Assuming a detailed knowledge of historical architectural terminology, the book switches off between narrative history, cultural analysis and very close reading of Roman art and architecture, complemented by color photos and reproductions. Representative works, found in sites such as the Church of Santa Prassede, the Church of San Clemente, the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, are explored in detail but take a back seat to historical and cultural concerns; those studying religious history, religious architecture and design or even historic costuming will find this work well worth their time, but the average art buff may be quickly lost.