This volume investigates the historical, artistic, and cultural identity of two of Italy's most significant cities through the lens of their architecture and social evolution. Mary McCarthy, a noted novelist and critic, utilizes her observational skills to dissect the physical fabric of Florence and Venice. She argues that the stones and structures of these cities serve as primary documents for understanding the political and aesthetic values of their past inhabitants.

Critics frequently cite these works as high-water marks of twentieth-century travel writing due to McCarthy's sharp, analytical prose. Scholars and general readers alike value the texts for their intellectual rigor and the author's ability to synthesize complex historical data into a coherent narrative.