The story of the creation of St. Peter's in Rome from its inception in 1506 through the next two centuries.

Originally published: New York: Viking, 2006.

PART I. The Christian caesar 1503-1513. The first stone, April 1506 -- The first St. Peter's -- Il terribilis -- A Trojan horse -- A surprise winner -- Imperial dimensions -- Vaulting ambition -- Onward Christian soldiers -- A Christian imperium -- A viper's nest -- The death of Julius -- -- PART II. The deplorable Medici popes 1513-1534. The first Medici prince -- An empty stage -- A Roman candle -- The revenge of the Sangallos -- Salvation for sale -- Sweet revenge -- A brief moment of truth -- Medici redux -- -- PART III. The Michelangelo imperative 1546-1626. A violent awakening -- Julius's folly -- Motu proprio -- An immovable object -- The swineherd who built Rome -- Raising the dome -- A new century -- The knaves of St. Peter's -- 1,300 years later -- -- PART IV. Bernini's grand illusions 1623-1667. The romance of the Baroque -- Full circle.