Outer Beauty, Inner Joy: Contemplating the Soul of the Renaissance by Julianne Davidow caught my eye when I was recently browsing the new book shelves. Sumptious photographs of sculpture, painting, drawings-- are matched with quotations by contemporary scholars, illustrating the philosophy and spiritual traditions that inspired works of Renaissance art.

This is a book to ponder over, slowly a feast for the eye, a source of spiritual renewal for the mind. Listen to podcasts and read transcripts of interviews at the author's website.