Using a two-page long “chapter” format, The Renaissance provides an adequate introduction of how artwork produced during the Renaissance (mid-1400s – late 1500s) differs from previous art periods using comparisons to classical style art and contrasting with medieval style art. Succeeding chapters highlight influences during the time period, including the humanism and mannerism movements; the move from majority Church-funded art to the rise of art patrons; the use of shadow, color, and light to show realistic linear perspective; the importance of apprenticeships; the importance of the discovery of oil paint; the presence of competition between artists for work; and the invention of the printing press. Brooks subliminally challenges readers to look closely at the full-color reproductions of famous works from this time period and compare them to other works, as she describes both differences and changes that occurred in the art during this time. Several artists highlighted as influential include Lorenzetti, Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Dürer, and a group of contemporary (to them) female artists. The text is chatty, light, and superficial in nature which makes this title a useful introduction to the subject. This would be an acceptable replacement for an aging book on the topic in most collections. The remaining titles in this series were not available for review, but I imagine they are similar in style and content. Glossary. Index. Timeline. Additional Selection.