Jeffrey Ruda's work, first published in 1993, embodies the first ever full-scale and in-depth study of Fra Fillipo Lippi (c.1406-69) to be published for many years, and provides a fundamental reassessment of his intriguing life and momentous work. It furthermore attempts with sensitivity to define the nature of Lippi's unique prominence as a portrayer of the subtleties of human feeling, and to identify his achievement in the broader social and historical context of the world of art during the early Renaissance.

Ruda's landmark survey is an invaluable reference work, with full historical analysis, a complete catalogue raisonné, beautiful colour plates, and fascinating narrative text.