Presenting photographs of his buildings, as well as plans and drawings, this work examines the the life of Renaissance architect Palladio. It traces his rise from his time as an apprentice stonesman to the construction of peerless villas that are associated with his name: the imposing Malcontenta and the aristocratic Rotonda. While the buildings are discussed in terms of their importance in art history, Palladio’s career is also defined against the backdrop of the dramatic events and personalities of the age.