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Frances Mayes' love for Tuscany has traversed in to a third book. Before In Tuscany, there was Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany. In Tuscany has been written with Edward Mayes and the famous photographer Bob Krist provides some rich awe inspiring pictures that show the reader why the author is so in love with the splendor of Tuscany. His pictures give an artistic appearance that captures and keeps the reader's eye.

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.

A delicious feast for the eye and heart. If you have read the book, if you have travelled in Tuscany this book brings it all home visually.

This is a necessary companion to Mayes' earlier books about the restoration of her home. This book is all about photos of Tuscany and the hill town (apparently Italy's oldest) of Cortona in particular. These photos compliment her previous works very well by showing you what she is seeing in an area of Italy she knows so well. Tuscany and Umbria are beautiful places. I have seen other photograph books with better pictures of Tuscany and Umbria, but this one goes along with Mayes' previous books. I have driven down the road on the cover and it is truly a site to see. Don't get confused by other reviews which reference the images from this book as "Italy" in general. Not all of Italy is like this, but the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria are and a must see for the traveller who is looking to relax for a week or two in the Tuscan or Umbrian hillside.