Andrea Palladio (1509-1589) won great fame in his lifetime, working extensively in Northern Italy (mainly in Venice and around Vicenza), building a series of palaces, villas and churches in a classical style. He gave his name to the Palladian style which, from Holkham and Chiswick, as far afield as Germany and the USA, has influenced architecture over the centuries. This illustrated book sets the architect"s life and work in the context of one of the most dramatic and eventful periods in history - the Renaissance. It features newly-commissioned photographs, plans and drawings. The author discusses Palladio"s buildings in terms of their importance in art history, and his career is put into perspective against the backdrop of events and personalities of the age.