Hi everyone,

My wife and I are leaving soon for Tuscany. Would anyone recommend some books (fiction or non-fiction) about or that takes place in Tuscany? I've already read enough Frances Mayes.

Thanks,

Mike

This one is historical non-fiction: Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King. If you are going to see the Duomo in Florence this would be a good one.

If you like true crime I really enjoyed The Monster of Florence by Mario Spezi and Douglas Preston.

A nice historical novel is The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Someone else recommended A Florentine Revenge by Christobel Kent but I haven't read it yet. It is a novel set in modern times.

If I think of any others I will post them.

Enjoy Tuscany! One of my favourite places.

War in Val D'Orcia: An Italian War Diary, 1943-1944 by Iris Origo.

I haven't read it but many here have.

Although not about Tuscany Machiavelli's The Prince was written in Florence and has, of course, endured for centuries.

Italo Calvino, died in Siena, if that is any help. Read his Italian Folk Tales, he is an excellent writer. Do not read his If on a winter's night a traveler unless you like experimental literature.

The last Italian to win the Nobel for Literature was Dario Fo. This was a controversial selection as many consider his writing not substantial.

Umberto Eco is probably the best known post-WWII writer and some of his prose can be inaccessible.

Regardless of how much truth may have been stretched, I found "The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini" to be thoroughly enjoyable prior to our trip,
http://www.amazon.com/The-Autobiogra.../dp/1406844500

Too Much Tuscan Sun - really amusing!

Actually, the Prince was written outside of Florence, since Machiavelli had been expelled from Florence and banished back to his farm. The house where he wrote (and raised hsi family) is in a beautiful setting, with rooms filled with character, and open to the public, although it's best to e-mail or call ahead. It's in Chianti, about 30 minutes east of Florence, in the town of Sant'Andrea in Percussina. You can find information about the "albergaccio" online.

You also might find this book interesting:

http://www.amazon.com/Road-Valor-Cyc.../dp/0307590658

I second reading The War in Val D'Orcia - and then go visit the area, if you can.

I have very much enjoyed "Vanilla Beans and Brodo" by Isabella Dusi, all about her relocation to Montalcino from Australia many years ago. Her book lead me to try Taverna Grappolo Blu when I finally got to visit Montalcino. I loved the town and Grappolo Blu and her book gave my visit a lot more meaning.

Also really enjoyed Ference Mate's books about his life in Tuscany with his wife and children. The last one I read was "The Hills of Tuscany, a new life in an old land"

Enjoy

Thanks everyone. Dayle, I finally decided on two books from Ferenc Mete - The Wisdom Of Tuscany: Simplicity Security And The Good Life and The Hills Of Tuscany: A New Life In An Old Land.