"Baroque Architecture leads the reader through the major creations of the period throughout Europe and beyond, and provides a fascinating account of how this grandiose style developed in relation to the unique urban culture of each nation where it became popular." "In-depth coverage of the architecture of France and Italy is coupled with serious analysis on how the style developed in Spain, Portugal, England, Central Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia, as well as in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Americas. Giving the richest and most complete account of its history to date, this is an essential introduction to Baroque architecture for the general reader."--Jacket.