Review by Choice Review
Camillo (1480-1544), little known to anyone but Italian Renaissance scholars, was encouraged and supported in the development of his ideas and theories by the king of France, Francois I, with the stipulation that Camillo not divulge his secret ideas to anyone but the king. This pact was maintained until just before his death, when Camillo dictated his theories to trusted friend Girolamo Muzio. Six years after Camillo's death, his book L'Idea del Theatro (1550) was published. Although relatively short, it embraced a large subject: the eternal nature of all things. According to Camillo, images store within themselves patterns of knowledge, and it is the mind's eye purpose to unlock and reveal these. Robinson not only discusses Camillo's ideas and theories, but also situates them within their Renaissance culture, discussing the works of Marsilio Ficino, Lorenzo Valla, and Pico della Mirandola; other Hermetic notions explored by modern scholar Frances A. Yates (1899-1981); and Copernican astronomy, which Camillo anticipated in his nonmathematically/astronomically derived belief in a heliocentric solar system. A well-produced, reasonably priced book, with images and diagrams predominantly in color; extensive endnotes; fine bibliography; image credits; good index. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. J. Weidman Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
