Riverside Book Co. has done libraries a service by publishing a series of beautiful paperbacks devoted to artists of the Italian Renaissance. Translated from the work of Italian scholars, the series is available in both English and Spanish. Each volume features approximately 100 high-quality color reproductions, including many close details of selected works. Particularly useful are the dates, dimensions, and present locations of all pieces, listed both in captions and in a separate index. Texts follow a general pattern of introductory biographical information and historical context, followed by a brief stylistic analysis of major works presented in chronological order and concluding with an evaluation of each artist's lasting influence. Unfortunately, the supporting bibliographies are not as useful to undergraduates or the general public, containing mostly Italian and older titles. Nevertheless, the series magnificently provides inexpensive circulating copies of high-demand pictorial works. Some 18 titles are currently available in Spanish, including Bruno Santi's Botticelli (ISBN 1-878351-34-6) and Luciano Bellosi's Giotto (ISBN 1-878351-28-1). Contact the publisher for a complete list: 212-765-2680; FAX 212-765-2682.Maria S. Macias