Reinterprets the underlying causes and effects of architecture and town planning in urban Italy during one of the country's most vibrant and celebrated periods. It puts economic and political influences at center stage rather than artistic inspiration or nostalgia for the classical past. It provides a fascinating study of Italian cities and regions over four discrete periods: from 1250 to 1400--the long prelude to the Renaissance; from 1400 to 1500--traditionally referred to as the Early Renaissance; from 1500 to 1600--the High Renaissance; and from 1600 to 1650 the years in which Italy saw the emergence of the Baroque and the waning of the Renaissance.