The Mirror, the Window, and the Telescope: Renaissance Perspective
The Mirror, the Window, and the Telescope by Samuel Y. Edgerton examines how Renaissance linear perspective shaped art and ideas about the universe. The book traces its emergence in fifteenth-century Florence and its later links to scientific thought, including Galileo’s telescope.
At a glance
- Explains the emergence of linear perspective in early fifteenth-century Florence.
- Connects perspective’s artistic and religious context with later shifts in scientific and cosmic ideas.
- Discusses Brunelleschi, Alberti, artists including Donatello and Masaccio, and Galileo.
Reference price: $145.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Brings art history and the history of science together around a focused subject.
- The illustrated edition and 224-page length provide a defined format for readers exploring Renaissance perspective.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Cornell University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 15, 2009 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 224 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0801447585 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0801447587 |
| Weight listed | 15.2 ounces |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.88 x 9 inches |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
|---|
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Renaissance art and the history of perspective.
- Those interested in connections between artistic techniques, religious thought and the history of science.
- Students or general readers seeking a book-length account of perspective’s historical influence.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
65% 65% - 4 stars
14% 14% - 3 stars
21% 21% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Aggregate ratings lean positive, with five-star ratings forming the largest category, while a smaller three-star share shows that responses are not uniformly top-rated. The sample is limited, and no written customer feedback is supplied, so it cannot establish what readers liked or disliked about this account of Renaissance perspective.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It follows the development of linear perspective in Renaissance Florence and considers how the technique affected art and ideas about the universe and science.
Which historical figures does it discuss?
The description names Filippo Brunelleschi, Leon Battista Alberti, Donatello, Masaccio, Masolino, Fra Angelico and Galileo Galilei.
What is the book’s format and length?
The listing identifies an illustrated edition with 224 pages. It also gives dimensions of 6 x 0.88 x 9 inches and a listed weight of 15.2 ounces.
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