Leon Battista Alberti's Hypnerotomachia Poliphili

Published by The MIT Press in 1997, this scholarly work by Liane Lefaivre provides a critical analysis of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, a landmark Renaissance text often attributed to Francesco Colonna. Lefaivre’s study positions the book within the cultural landscape of 15th-century Italy, arguing that the enigmatic narrative and its intricate architectural illustrations reflect the humanist concerns and psychological explorations of Leon Battista Alberti. By re-examining the text's complex symbolism, the author offers a compelling case for Alberti’s central role in its creation.

The volume is recognized for its contribution to architectural history and the study of early modern literature. Design-wise, the book mirrors the rigorous academic standards of MIT Press, utilizing high-quality reproduction of original woodcuts to complement Lefaivre’s detailed interpretative framework. It was received as a significant reassessment of the Hypnerotomachia, shifting scholarly discourse away from purely stylistic interpretation toward a deeper investigation into the authorial intent and the intellectual currents of the Italian Renaissance.