This book is a great introdcution to Venetian art of the Renaissance, through its views of the major artists of the time (the Bellinis, Titian, Pollaiuolo, Veronese, etc.), but it incorporates enough social, religious, and political history that one not only gets a more-well rounded view of the Venice of the Renaissance, but also is not bogged down in excessive stylistic analysis. This makes Brown's work a wonderful introduction to the Venetian novice, which many amateur art-historians caught up with Florence and Rome (myself included) tend to be.

Terrific photos, could wish more were in color. Prose somewhat academic and overblown, or shall we say "Venetian"? Author and editor should consult Elements of Style. Simple points become elaborate expositions. More wit; less pedantry desirable. Bottom line, don't read this too closely, but do peruse it, and excavate for what you want to know.