what about "The Name of The Rose by Umberto Eco". Takes place at a 14th century monastry (tuscany?) amdist monks who transcribe and illuminate ancient manuscripts- This was before Guttenberg, so the *Library* was the Chruch's most important asset at the time. Knowledge is Power...Lots of secrets only monks knew. It's is a murder mystery too- monks keep dying off in bizarre ways. There was a film made of it- but the film was not rich with depth like the book.

Diane- <BR> <BR>I am in awe of someone who even thinks that they will read Pynchon on a vacation. It doesn't matter that you never actually read it, I am impressed by just the thought of such ambition. But you can keep the book, I'm not even slightly tempted to try and outdo you! <BR> <BR>Margaret- <BR> <BR>I've read the Name of the Rose, and agree that it would be a good travel book for Italy. And you're right, the movie didn't have anywhere near the detail of the book. But you've got me wondering, should I plan a trip to Paris to read "Foucault's Pendulum"? I like that idea, instead of planning reading around my trips, perhaps I should plan trips around my reading!