The Genius in the Design

The Genius in the Design is, like The Devil in the White City, part biography, part history, and part architecture. It is at once about Gianlorenzo Bernini (pictured) and Francesco Borromini, Rome's two most accomplished architects of the 17th century. But it is also about Rome the city, the history of the church and the creation of the monuments and structures millions of tourists continue to visit every year.

Gianlorenzo Berlini was the child prodigy with the support of the Pope, who had a gift for flair and the theatrical. He redefined sculpture and brought his gifts to the study of architecture, designing some of Rome's most iconic spaces and places. Francesco Borromini, on the other hand, was the difficult to work with technical expert who was able to solve problems that vexed other architects. He brought an inventiveness and creativity to his craft that pushed the limits of architecture in his day.

To top it off, the two men were bitter rivals who at turns worked together, supported each other, and attempted to sabotage the others' reputation. Jake Morrissey brings the two men to life, and has written a book I will certainly be carrying with me when I finally make my trip to Rome!