Art historian Spike provides fresh insights into the life and work of the Dominican friar Fra Angelico (1400?-1455) who succeeded Masaccio as the foremost painter of the early Renaissance in Italy. This splendid, massive (11x13<">) volume contains an extensive essay on Fra Angelico's life and work, followed by large color plates and detailed discussion of individual works. The large format allows for an intimate look at the friar's inspired art, and the volume is a feast for the eyes. A catalog presents his oeuvre, as revised by Spike's new attributions, illustrated with thumbnail reproductions. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.