BASILICA The Splendor and the Scandal: Building St. Peter's

Anyone who sees the spectacular Basilica of St. Peter in Rome is awestruck by its sheer size and grandeur but may not be aware of the dramatic history of its creation. The construction of St. Peter's spanned 30 popes and more than 100 years, and its controversial financing provoked the Protestant Reformation. Some of history's best architects and artists, including Raphael, Bramante, Bernini, and a reluctant Michelangelo contributed their creative genius. Josephine Bailey's sophisticated voice is ideal for this earthly tale of power, money, and artistic brilliance. The Italian names and phrases trip gracefully off her tongue, and she smoothly delivers both the glorious and the dark sides of St. Peter's history. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]