The author of In the Footsteps of Popes, Italian historian Enrico Bruschini, was the fine arts curator of the American Embassy in Rome until his retirement in 1998. In this book, he explains the cultural significance of The Vatican museums, the artistic value of The Sistine Chapel and the religious importance of Saint Peter's Basilica. Most of the written materials are supported by many diagrams and photographs (including some lovely color reproductions) of sculpture, painting and architecture. An interesting cross-section of this art is described, from lesser known Greek and Egyptian work to the magnificent ceiling of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel as well as Bernini's unforgettable altar pieces.
This guidebook of Rome's religious and artistic center is for both experts and laymen alike. While it concentrates on "true masterpieces" and does not claim to be a comprehensive handbook, it can still be fascinating to art students and aficionados; it's practically indispensable for the uninitiated or new traveler about to embark on an adventure to Rome. It may not be the most user-friendly writing to digest while actually touring, however, its step-by-step "ideal itinerary" can be quite informative as a travel supplement before seeing the artistic and architectural wonders it describes so thoroughly. If you haven't visited The Eternal City, reading this could encourage such a trip or, at the very least, become a necessary reference for artists, historians, or even armchair travelers.
Reviewed by Richard Mandrachio

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