| Title | : | In Tuscany |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0767905350 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780767905350 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 272 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1980 |
La Piazza--the locus of Italian village life. With photgraphs of the shop signs, the outdoor markets, medieval streets, people, their pets and their cars, and snippets of conversations overheard, Mayes reveals the life of the Piazza in her town of Cortona as well as out-of-the-way places such as Volterra, Asciano, Monte San Savino, and Castelmuzio.
La Festa--the celebration. Essays and photos of feasts and celebrations, such as the Christmas dinner for twenty-seven at a neighbor's house and a donkey race around the church at Montepulciano Stazione, illustrate how the Tuscans celebrate the seasons--their open ways of friendship, their connection to nature, and most of all, their sense of abundance.
Il Campo--the field. Here Edward Mayes evokes the deep sense of the shift of seasons as he picks olives before he and Frances head off to the olive oil mill and enjoy the first bruscette with new oil.
La Cucina--the kitchen. An intimate view of the all-important role of the kitchen in Tuscan culture, including photographs of her own kitchen and gardens, menus from great local cooks, the elements of the Tuscan table, dishes with cultural and culinary notes on each, and, of course, delectable recipes.
La Bellezza--the beauty. From the quality of the light falling on sublime landscapes in different seasons and Tuscan faces in moments of laughter to a silhouette of cypress trees in the early evening and a wild bird perched on a neigbor's head, In Tuscany features views of beauty that reveal the singular splendor of one of the world's best-loved and most artistic regions.
In Tuscany Reviews
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First read this while in Belgie -- somewhere around 2001 maybe? Picked it up on a whim recently and read it right through again -- serndipitously encountering once again one of my favorite quotes as though for the first time! Mayes Tuscany talk speaks to me -- maybe because I naturally lean to the color palette encountered in her beloved Tuscan countryside and homes. Photography of amazing resonance. Recipes which make one's mouth water and her obvious love of her adopted city and country and the people -- what else could one ask?
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This was a super quick read for food lovers and/or lovers of Italian culture. Having spent some time in Tuscany eating our way from village to village I really enjoyed all of the food descriptions. It is nice that Mayes explores more than just the food though and talks about the people and the Tuscan attitude. It felt like I had escaped back to the rolling hillside and sunny days of my favorite places in Tuscany while I read this.
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When we can't travel in reality, a well-written book takes us there in mind and spirit. I'm a fan of Frances Mayes's Under the Tuscan Sun and much enjoyed returning to Tuscany and spending some delightful hours exploring the piazzas, celebrations, family meals, churches, statues, mushrooms, olives, flowers...everything that makes Tuscany a beautiful, even sacred place to live. The only regret is that the audio can't show me the photos or recipes, so I must find a copy at the library.
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A full five stars for one of my very favorite writers. Not sure how I missed this sweet volume years ago, but in many ways it seems all the richer now. Frances Mayes, in my book, ranks among the most evocative and poetic travel writers ever. Read this and you'll be languidly traversing the Tuscan hills with her and Ed, among the fields of wheat, the olive trees, and the vines.
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this is more of a travel guide book with beautiful photographs capturing the light and landscape of Tuscany. Not quite a coffee-table book and prettier than a standard travel guide, it falls between. Worth buying if you plan a visit or have visited and want a memento...but not at full price.
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Though I could already visualize Tuscany through Frances Mayes written words, the book is definitely frosting on the cake. Now that I took it down from the shelf to add to my list here ,I will once again immerse myself in the pages and return to Tuscany.
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A friend bought this for me many (many) years ago. I decluttered it a few years ago. I cannot say that I regret parting with it, but there are times when I feel a bit sentimental about the book. My friend and I had hoped to travel to Italy together...
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ahhh beautiful writing, delightful recipes and magnificent photography
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I will forever be a Frances Mayes fan. I love listening to her descriptives of foods, crops and the landscapes of Tuscany.
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I think this is one of my favorite Frances Mayes books. The photography is stunning and the food looks amazing.
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3.5-3.75 Wonderfully evocative and I love the descriptions!
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More from the author of Under the Tuscan Sun. This volume contains the author's thoughts as well as recipes, and lots of photos including some of her house.
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Fantastic
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Good
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Another book in the style of ' Bringing Tuscany Home ' so my comments are the same for both.
Her books are a strange amalgamation of subjects.
They obviously confuse the Dewey system used by libraries in that this book and the one above, are in two different categories although almost identical in subject matters. She's also in a third category in the food section.
More a book to read, the recipes are almost incidental. -
This is a different take on Frances Mayes's always intoxicating view of Tuscany. I enjoyed getting to see photos of the places she's described in her previous books, although, as other reviewers have mentioned, I would have preferred less artistic blurriness and more detail. Still, this is yet another gorgeous book, full of gorgeous prose, celebrating a most gorgeous place. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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I "read" this book via the audio version and just did not like it. It was almost like listening to someone read from a travel guide that's too full of details. I usually love her books so perhaps reading it would have garnered a different reaction on my part. Very disappointed.
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I cheated. I listened to the Author and her husband read it to me while I was driving to work.
Now I want to travel to Italy. I want to see and experience a piazza, center of town or the universe it seems. -
I really like Frances Mayes' books. They transport me to a place I love. I can relate to her and her stories very well. I loved this book because of the stories, pictures, recipes. It has everything rolled up in one.
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Almost a travel guide, I'm not sure why this book was written. It might as well be a journal entry of a foreigner in Italy. I'm of Italian ancestry--and so I want to like this. But, the whole thing is so foreign to me, that I can't relate. Perhaps I need to get to Tuscany, and then re-read?
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Beautiful photography paired with excellent narrative equals a very enjoyable read. What a great find for $2 at our library's used book sale. Oh, and don't read the recipes if you're hungry...you have been duly warned!!
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Gorgeous photographs and sumptuous recipes!!
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Book of beautiful Tuscan pictures.
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A guided tour through Tuscany filled with gorgeous photographs. Also one of my favorite cook books. Recipes in this book have become family favorites.
