Why was Vasari book so important?

Vasari's book, "Lives of the Artists," was important because it was the first comprehensive biography of Italian Renaissance artists, providing valuable insights into their lives and works. It contributed to the development of art history as a discipline and helped elevate the status of artists from craftsmen to intellectuals. Vasari's work also played a significant role in promoting the idea of an artistic "genius" and shaping the way we perceive and value art today.