Publisher's description:

First published in 1955–63, Sir John Pope-Hennessy's classic Introduction to Italian Sculpture still stands as the definitive introduction to the subject.
Its three volumes bring order to a huge mass of material, and present a magisterial survey of one of the most creative phases in Western art.
These books have long been indispensable for scholars, students, curators, collectors and dealers.
The fourth edition of each title was thoroughly revised and updated by the author shortly before his death.
The groundbreaking first volume was the first to give a coherent account of the formative period from 1150 to 1400.
Lucid and inspiring narrative text, with detailed scholarly notes and bibliography.
Includes the work of Nicola Pisano, Jacopo della Quercia and Lorenzo Ghiberti.
First published in 1955-63, Sir John Pope-Hennessy's classic Introduction to Italian Sculpture still stands as the definitive introduction to the subject. A triumph of clear organization, sustained critical scholarship and certain aesthetic judgement, its three volumes bring order to a huge mass of material, and present a magisterial survey of one of the most creative phases in Western art. These books have long been indispensable for scholars, students, curators, collectors and dealers.
For the fourth edition of this great work, the text has been revised and updated, and new notes and bibliographies have been added. The design has been dramatically transformed, with all the illustrations now appearing in a single sequence integrated with the narrative text. Many new photographs have been obtained, and duotone printing has been used to achieve the highest possible quality of reproduction. This classic work is now reissued in a paperback edition, at a price that will make it also available to students and a wider public.

'No book on art is more intelligent, more learned and unpretentious, or more infused with passion; it is a tremendously exciting education in art, history, society, the advancement of thought and craft - in a word, in civilization.' (New York Times)
'It is a landmark publication. This is undoubtedly the introduction to Italian sculpture.' (Times Literary Supplement)
'This is a solid work of reference, with an absorbing and careful text, filled with penetrating analyses of monuments, fountains, and busts of the great Italian sculptors, and it is most unlikely to be superseded for many years to come.' (Literary Review)
'Magisterial and essential introductory survey of Italian sculpture. Pope-Hennessy's acute visual sensitivity and intelligent critique of plastic form enriches the reader's understanding.' (The Art Book)
'A survey unmatched in its breadth and depth.' (Chicago Tribune)