This book brings to life the story of the construction of some of the most outstanding early Renaissance buildings in Venice. Through a series of individual case studies, Richard J. Goy explores how and why great buildings came to be built during the years from 1430 to 1500. He addresses the practical issues of constructing such buildings as the Torre dell'Orologio in Piazza San Marco, the Porta della Carta at the Palazzo Ducale, the Arsenale Gate, and the churches of Santa Maria della Carita and San Zaccaria, focusing particular attention on the process of patronage. The book is the first to trace the complete process of creating important buildings, from the earliest conception in the minds of the patrons - the Venetian state or other institutional patrons - through the choice of architect, the employment of craftsmen, the selection of materials, and the working conditions on the site. In an interesting analysis of the participants' roles, Goy highlights the emerging importance of the superintending master, the protomaestro.