Soul dredging through memories of an island childhood, the author returns to her ancestral roots in Italy. An Umbrian village wraps its arms around this grieving mother as she rebuilds her soul—an elderly Italian woman takes the author under her watch—her old Italian family farmhouse and farm become the bridge for the author and her ancestral history. The maternal warmth of neighbors and village mirror the familial ties of her past, nurturing soul reparations and internal peace. Olive harvests overlap memories of family gardens and Sunday gatherings. The farm and village unite not only the author, but her children and friends to the beauty of life.

Beginning with a dissertation on Raphael’s drawings, Oskar Fischel made it his endeavor, with an ever growing knowledge of Raphael, to arrive at a comprehensive representation, and this he has left behind this book. The illustrations gathered together by him over a period of many years are intended, in the selection here provided, to induce the reader to seek out the works of the artist. The book speaks of Raphael’s influential manner on society.

Enjoy a journey to the forest-rimmed convent where The English Patient was filmed and learn traditional cuisine under cookbook doyenne Lorenza de'Medici. With this completely updated Fodor's guide you can cheer on Palio horsemen from a luxurious room overlooking Siena's square or climb a footpath to Michelangelo's marble quarries and stay overnight at a hiker's hut in the hills. Explore Florence, city of the lily, the city that gave birth to the Renaissance and changed the way we see the world. For centuries its wondrous art has captured the imagination of travellers, and it continues to do so today. This new edition features coverage of the latest local trends and top spots and has a jam-packed 'Smart Travel Tips A-Z' chapter, plus Great Itineraries, Fodor's Choice, and web addresses. In addition, it lists the latest sights and activities and up-to-date options for hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.