Each book in this ongoing series focuses on a major painting by a well-known artist. Crammed full of facts, the books explore key points concerning the production of the painting and its interpretation, using the painting itself as a gateway to a broader discussion of the artist's life and work. Based on conversations with the late, noted Italian art historian Zeri (Italian Paintings: A Catalogue of the Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art), these slim volumes offer distilled insights soundly based on recorded knowledge. For example, Mont Sainte-Victoire, which treats one of the many paintings C zanne did on the subject, highlights the salient points of his life, relationship with his father and Emile Zola, admiration for Manet, and friendship with Pissarro and also discusses aesthetic influences on and by him. Why this particular version of the painting is chosen is not indicated. The pages are covered with illustrated sidebars, reminiscent of magazine articles or the Internet, that visually support and expand upon the book's theme. All the books in the series follow this format. For instance, in a few succeeding two-page spreads in Sacred and Profane Love, the many facets of Titian's production are explored under such dual headings as "Works for the Court: The Painter of the Powerful," "The Mannerist Painters: Leaving Naturalism Behind," and "The Last Paintings: The Dissolution of Form." The information is compact and the pages arranged as in a collage, so that the reader is saturated with an intensive overview. The Allegory of Spring, a much-sought-after image, may prove to be one of the more successful titles in the series. Along with a traditional interpretation of Botticelli, this book explores the mythological basis of the painting, its mystery, and its patronage, making this a good introduction to the artist. Concluding each book with a selected catalog of the artist's work, each with a brief, interpretive description; excerpts from historical critical documents; and a geographic listing of where to see specific paintings. There is value here for art students in particular and for anyone seeking a quick understanding from a knowledgeable source. Academic, art school, and public library art book collections should consider acquiring books in this series. Ellen Bates, New York Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.