Kirwin (art history, U. of Guelph, Ontario) presents the first book-length study on the Baldachin inside St. Peter's, Rome, situating the monument in the center or Urban VIII's grand plan for his Pontificate (1623-1644), and critically evaluating the structure's design, construction, and meaning. The study unearths the Pontiff's rearmament of Rome and the Vatican within the context of the Baldachin's meaning, and supplies new interpretations of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's early development as an architect. Includes illustrations, photographs, and architectural plans. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.