Admirable guide to a self-renewing t reasury

Treasures of the Vatican by 0. Ferrari. (Thames & Hudson £2.50.) THERE are many guides to the Vatican, but this book by Professor Ferrari of Rome University deserves the highest praise. Within a convenient size, the visitor will find all that he needs for the fullest appreciation of what is offered to him, ac companied by an admirable and expert commentary.
The Professor emphasises the uniqueness of the Vatican, a living force in the world today, and that "during seventeen centuries it has been not only alive but self-renewing." The twentieth century is now well established by the new Bronze Doors of St. Peter's by Manzo erected in 1962, and the tomb of John XXIII also in bronze by Greco erected in 1966.
There are 165 illustrations of which 53 are in colour, all beautifully produced. The author regrets the removal of the old clutter of buildings of the Borgo, which deprives the visitor of the surprise and awe of sudden confrontation on entering the Piazza, "surely preferable to the long dull view that the Via della Conciliazione gives us today."
His interpretation of the Piaz2a is very inspiring, "a preparation and an invitation to what lies beyond it. Its two arms come forward to embrace the whole of humanity into the bosom of the Church. And this symbolism is so simple, so immediately comprehensible, that those who come to venerate the memory of St. Peter from all parts of the world find themselves effortlessly lifted towards the Ideal they seek."
Writing on Bernini's baldacchino he says that it is designed "to strike the spectator on entering St. Peter's with the full force of the Baroque theatricality. Ancient symbols of the Faith are combined with emblems of papal splendour, and the twisted columns are eternal reminders of the origin of St. Peter's in the constantinian basilica and of the origins of the church itself."
The commentary on the Sistine Chapel and the Stanze and Logee of Raphael indicate the depths of the author's learning and scholarship, and the account of the Vatican Pinacoteca and of the Museum complete most adequately the aim of the author to help visitors "to sort out their impressions and even to re-enact something of what they felt when they were there."
Dom Wilfred Passmore OSB Abbot of Downside