Mario Stocco

A very impressive compendium of art, architecture, its history, cultural significance, and contribution to western civilization - combined with personal aesthetic impressions of architectural wonders and influence on design and structure throughout the centuries. Kaplan reveals extraordinary erudition in a wide range of artistic endeavour, enduring architecture, history, literature, political and social diversity etc. He combines all of this within the context of a travelogue. This book is dense with references and a bit overwhelming to go through. However, for those readers inclined to work through it can find it rewarding. Respectfully, I prefer and appreciate his geo-political analysis and commentary over this grand gesture of impressive scholarship. Mario A. Stocco