Caravaggio is focused on the life, works, and legacy of the controversial painter whose life was as drama-filled as his revolutionary artistic compositions. Art historian Zirpolo provides an accessible overview of Caravaggio's life and work via a quick-reference chronology, an introductory essay, and alphabetical entries on his paintings as well as techniques, artists he influenced, and major centers in which he was active. It is a book that richly invites us into his times, a world of survival by patronage, and how the church, involved with building Western Civilization was resoundingly at the center of it all. The book contains a comprehensive bibliography, including primary and general sources and is carefully selected and organized to encourage further research, for either professional or devotee. It was built to avail extensive cross-referencing to enable rapid and efficient location of information, as well as full-color reproductions of the artist's significant works. And, while this edition will be an excellent starting point for undergraduate and graduate art-history research, it would be a welcome addition to the library of anyone who cares about Caravaggio, his work and his world, his reach and his power. Zirpolo has provided a thorough encyclopedic guide to the cause of art, beauty and truth, bringing us the complex gospel of Michelangel Merisa da Caravaggio. It's a cornerstone achievement.