BAROQUE IN ITALY. by Lees-Milne, James - 1959

London: B.T. Batsford, 1959. 216 pp, large 8vo (9" H). B&w photographs, reproductions, floor plans. "(Lees-Milne writes about) the development of building in Italy from the Mannerist period, that is, the later sixteenth century, to the emergence of Rococo in the early eighteenth century. (He) believes that Baroque in Italy was a religious manifestation, Latin, Catholic and primarily Roman and his book deals largely with ecclesiastical architecture in Rome itself. Piedmont was the next most important influence in the style, and so, after introducting the colossal personalities of Bernini, Borromini and their disciples, he concentrates upon the work of Guarini, Juvara and their followers. But he is not concerned exclusively with architecture; he discusses the Baroque style as it manifested itself in the work of the painters, such as Caravaggio and Pietro da Cortona and the sculptors, above all Bernini. In reading the book the reader has the grateful impression, not so much of being instructed, as of sharing in the author's own pleasures and discoveries, for Mr. Lees-Milne has a winning and persuasive style exceptional in a work of learning." Small label from bookstore on front pastedown, foxing marks on front free endpaper, one small foxing mark on rear free endpaper, light wear at corners and top/bottom of spine. Dust jacket has light edge wear wrinkling - mostly at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds, two small tears (with crease between) on rear panel, light foxing marks on flaps and on flap-folds.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good-.