UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Department of Art History Head Robin Thomas will discuss his new book, “Palaces of Reason: The Royal Residences of Bourbon Naples,” with B. Stephen Carpenter II, Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Dean in the College of Arts and Architecture, from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Woskob Family Gallery, located at 146 S. Allen St. in State College.

The book, published by Penn State University Press, discusses three royal residences outside Naples, Italy, in Capodimonte, Portici and Caserta, all built during the 18th century. In analyzing the history of these places, the book aims to make broader contributions to art and architectural history, as well as 18th-century studies. Thomas wrote daily for about a year while working on “Palaces of Reason: The Royal Residences of Bourbon Naples,” but the entire process took almost a decade to complete.

“It is such a privilege and joy to engage in a conversation about my book, because research can be such a solitary pursuit,” said Thomas, professor of art history. “Sharing the outcome of that work through my book and in a public event like this is truly special. I’m grateful to Dean Carpenter and Associate Dean Mallika Bose and look forward to an engaging discussion.”