"[A] delightful study. . . . His remarkably lucid and readable essay is full of contemporary relevance and informed by the energies of a man in love with his subject."—Robert Taylor, Boston Globe
"A model of what a historical survey should be."—Richard J. Morris, Los Angeles Times
"This survey of the aesthetics off medieval Latin civilization . . . reveals the insight and eloquence that would later gain him worldwide fame after the release of his novel, The Name of the Rose."—Alida Beccker, Philadelphia Inquirer
"An original and illuminating synthesis of disciplines usually treated separately."—Sunday Times
"The book lays out so many exciting ideas and interesting facts that readers will find it gripping."—Washington Post Book World
"Fresh and useful in this highly readable translation. . . . A brief but accurate introduction to a vast field."—Library Journal
"For as complex as this book is, it is written lucidly and engagingly and gets its points across in a concise and interesting manner."—Patricia L. Kleeberger, Art Documentation
"This study stands by itself as a monograph on the development of the aesthetic principles and problems that engaged the Schoolmen from the sixth through the 15th century. More than a history of theory, this essay is an absorbing synthesis of theology, science, poetry, and mysticism with artistic theory and practice—providing comprehensive insight into medieval culture."—Choice
"Some original insights into an era that was previously regarded by many as devoid of aesthetic ideals and criteria."—Kirkus Reviews
"A welcome paperback edition of a translation first published in 1986 of the original Sviluppo dell'estetica medievale."—Manuscripta
"Offer[s] as good a general introduction to medieval aesthetics and art theory as one is likely to find in English. . . . The book is filled . . . with quite wonderful material."—Russell Peck, The Baltimore Morning Sun
