Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

Chapter 9 tells a story that reveals more of Filippo's personality. It begins with explaining how the rivalry between Filippo and Lorenzo had been going on for years, and Filippo had quickly become the top designer for the dome. Unfortunately for Filippo, Lorenzo has he same salary and could possibly share credit with Filippo. The wooden chain in the dome would give Filippo a chance at exposing his rival's ignorance.

In 1423, when Filippo's design is selected, a disaster seems to strike; Filippo takes to his bed, seemingly very ill. When it seems he is not to recover, Lorenzo is forced to take over on this project, about which he knew very little. Suddenly, after Lorenzo puts the men back to work, Filippo miraculously recovers. He returns to the work site, exposes Lorenzo's incompetence and is rewarded with a salary that is almost...