I can't actually review the contents of the book. The book I received reeked of mildew and had mildew spots throughout. I opened it, and it went directly into the trash. Terrible experience, very disappointing.This is a large book filled with full-page color photos. Each chapter covers a different topic--cities such as Venice and Florence, artist such as Michelangelo and Leonardo, kings and queens, including Philip II and Elizabeth I, and a whole host of other personages and events that marked this period off history, Well worth reading and treasuring.