I haven't read the book, but have seen some good TV documentaries on it. Quite the engineering feat - and its still standing! Probably had some seismic activity over the years too!
Seems like they were debating (on the documentary) how he constructed the thing.
Great book. I couldn't put it down. I recently visited florence for the third time. the book added a whole new perspective to the cupola. As King indicates when on the staircase between the inner and outer dome you can see the herringbone pattern and the wooden chain in places.
