In Tuscany

"What makes the people so friendly, no, not just friendly, so genuinely kind and generous?" Mayes asks an Italian friend, then turns her intense attention to answer the question herself. Her answers range from baci (kisses), an intimate expression that "keeps alive the joy we all are born with," to la piazza, the navel of Italy's intense sense of community, to a deep love affair with food and seasonal delights. (Mayes shares the latter and once again gives recipes from the traditional to the idiosyncratic while her poet-husband Edward treats us to a description of the olive harvest). Then there is the Tuscans' territorial attachment to the land. Place, Mayes writes, makes you who you are and it is by reading the landscape that you find the story of how the people lived. Like a guidebook written by a good friend who reveals to you all the secret places they've found, Mayes leads us from out-of-the-way towns to great frescoes to tiny restaurants with exquisite delicacies (and even gives you their addresses). Turn down any one of Mayes's streets and there is something to contemplate.

In the distance you see villages crowning a hill or protectively stacked against a slope. Every one pulls me toward its altarpiece, special triptych, arched gate, gothic window, or fountain. Every one has its opinionated, eccentric, friendly, and intrinsic characters who make each place deeply itself.

Once again, Mayes presents Tuscany as an irresistible place where the pleasures are unexpected, sumptuous, and downright enviable. Immersing yourself in In Tuscany is the next best thing to being invited home to Bramasole. --Lesley Reed

Frances writes that Tuscany is a world; Italy is a universe. She has spent a notable amount of time exploring Tuscany in order to experience more of the wonder and pleasure it beholds. Each chapter is organized and presented in a clear manner. The author's bounty of information flows in a pleasurable reading style making it easy to read and enjoy; the author's passion shines through in every word.

Here are the chapters and the subjects they deliver:

Baci (Kisses) - An introduction of sorts La Piazza (Piazza) - Where everyone enjoys life La Festa (Celebration) - Elaborate celebrations and how history plays a part Il Campo (Field) - The countryside and vineyards La Cucinal (Kitchen) - Menu and cooking traditions La Belleza (Beauty) - The beauty and light of Tuscany

It's a joy to read and the pictures a pleasure to look at.


Superb!   February 7, 2001
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I had been waiting eagerly for the next book in the Tuscany series and I am not disappointed. The format is certainly different than the other 2, but Mayes' love for and delight in her Tuscan home and adopted land comes through as clearly as ever. Her use of language is absolutely perfect, the photos beautiful and evocative, and the author's love of detail comes through wonderfully! At times, I felt I could almost touch the objects she describes, and taste the food so lovingly depicted! Bravo, and I'm already looking forward to the next volume!


Italy as I knew it   June 25, 2001
Llewellyn C. Douglass (Portland, Oregon USA)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

After having lived in Italy, I can say that this book catches the true essence of that country. The quietly beautiful photographs recall the Italian masters and the scenes portray the everyday life of Italy and it's people. This 3rd book of Frances Mayes is not filled with the hilarious anecdotal stories of the first two, but it is broader and told with more assurance of time and place. How can one read and look at this book and not fall in love with Italy ?


Beautifully photographed book   December 6, 2000
Kimberly (Chicago, IL United States)
19 out of 22 found this review helpful

This book has some beautiful photographs that really capture the essence of Italian life and the Italian people. The prose is captivating and charming. It's a perfect coffee table book and would make a great holiday gift. The recipes look good too! I think anyone interested in Italy will enjoy this book and Frances Mayes' previous books on Tuscany.