Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's Audiobook

" A pretty good book about the building of St. Peter's. This book lacks the magic of Brunelleschi's Dome but is a nice follow up read. "

" If you've ever been to St. Peter's and thought "I wonder how this thing was built", then read this book. It gives a pretty extensive background into the century-long building process, the key players (including Michelangelo, Bernini, Julius II), and the context surrounding its construction. Lots of detail. "

" A really interesting book. It is crazy to see how intricate things can be with art and religion and architecture. "

" Great walks of Rome in the back! "

" Some of the most fascinating characters of European history were the rogues and saints gallery of popes. They are all there in this entertaining romp through the ages. "

" Fantastic read on the people, circumstances and effects of the building of St. Peter's. Wish I would have read this before I visited the Vatican. "

" Very interesting construction of the story surrounding the Basilica. "

" I've never been a nonfiction fan, but this book is fascinating. It can move slowly in some parts, but it is an incredible learning experience from start to finish. "

" Enthralling read about the building of St. Peter's. Loved it. "

" Really excellent account of the building of St. Peter's Basilica. Not a dry history by any means -- the author includes all the juicy bits of scandal of the popes and the egotistic and often crazy artists they employed. "

" If you are interested in Church architecture and Church history, this is a very enjoyable read. Very satisfying description of some artistic giants and rapscallion popes. Fun book. "

" Very intersting, though I have heard some of the story may be imbelished. Though I found it fascinating...good for anyone interested in Rome and/or architecture. "

" If you have seen St Peters or want to see it this is must read. Wonderful read of history and facts surrounding this beautiful and most important structure to so many people. "

" I couldn't put this down. It's a fascinating, whirlwind overview of the building of St. Peter's. Light on pictures and diagrams, but full of larger than life personalities. "

" Okay... So did I ACTUALLY finish this for AP Euro? That's open for debate... But seriously, it's not going to be on any test or final so I figured I'd rather spend my time on more sophisticated reading like Charlie Brown. "

" Lots of repetition between this and Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling, but worth a look. "

" Very interesting history of St. Peters. Well written and engaging. A history of the popes, the times, the artists, and Rome itself. "

" Part adventure story, part gossip tale, and fully engrossing, this history of the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome took hold of me from the start and didn't let go. History lovers - travelers - anyone, really, will find much to enjoy in this account; I highly recommend it! "

" If your planning a trip to Rome this is a great resource on the Basilica and it gives you a better appreciation for the wonder and making of the building. "

" I simply had no idea how complex this entire project was. "

" Read it after a trip to Rome and it gave perspective to the beauty. Will re-read if I go again. "

" The vivid descriptions of Vatican architecture are very good; however, the book is at its best when Scotti is describing the motivations and relationships between the Pope's and the artists that raised St. Peter's Basilica. "

" Read parts of it for research: want to finish it someday. It has fasincating information, but like a lot of non-fiction, it can be pretty dull at times. I studied Art History in school, so I probably enjoy this book more than most would. "

" Lots of fun reading about the human element in the magnificent building. "

" Fairly academic, but tells the great story of building St. Peter's. It is the first time I've read much about the personality and trials behind this - different Popes, various artists including Michaelangelo and all of their interactions. "

" The story of building St. Peter's basilica. "

" This historical account of the building of St. Peter's reads like a story. The corruption of the popes is exposed, the artistic personalities are uncovered, and all the drama surrounding the most famous church in the world is discussed. I found it quite fascinating. "

" A great read if you enjoy religious and art history. Highly recommend. "

" this is a very interesting read on the history of the building of St. Peter's. Need to go back and look at the Basilica againn "

" I love this book! It's mostly about architecture if that interests you! "

" Very interesting history of St. Peter's. Reads more like a novel so if you're not a huge fan of non-fic (like me) then you actually want to keep reading it. Lots of great backstory. "

" Interesting recap of the web of art, religion and politics. Wrapping hundreds of years of starts and stops into 8 hours (audible book) gives it something of a whip-lash effect. "

" Excellent story telling that provides not only a gripping tale, but also insight into the development of Catholicism. "

" Loved this book! Reading more like novel, it made a complex history very accessible and easy to follow. Fantastic! "

" Enthralling read about the building of St. Peter's. Loved it. "

" Lots of repetition between this and Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling, but worth a look. "

" An excellent telling of the clash of personalities and creative minds in the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. More historical than The Agony and the Ecstacy, and more breadth to the subject of the whole period it took to build it. "

" Interesting on the artistic & eclesiastical politics of St. Peters (the indulgences sold to build it were what ticked off Martin Luther), but with surprisingly little about the details of construction "

" A fun read, but tended to be a little silly/trivial at some parts. Hard to take too seriously. "