George Santayana was a Spanish-American poet, novelist and philosopher. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the early 20th century.

The story is certainly captivating, but not as focused on the most interesting characters. The narrative does flow, and it’s an easy read

Virgil was a Roman poet from the Augustan period. He is known for his wide influence on western literature works such as Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Dominus: A Novel of the Roman Empire by Steven Saylor is the third book in the Rome series. Mr. Saylor is a bestselling author and an expert on Roman history.

The subject might be just one painting, but it also tells of the history of the time, military tactics, art history, and religious and regional politics

A travel book and guide to Italy, a country which they both love. Ms. Mayes is a renowned writer of such books as Under the Tuscan Sun and other bestsellers

Ovid was a Roman poet who is ranked as one of the three canonical poets of Latin literature, along with his contemporaries Horace and Virgil.

Fortune’s Child: A Novel of Empress Theodora – A historical novel about a woman who used her wits and good looks to become the wife of the ruler of the empire.

Frederic Prokosch was an American writer, known for his novels, poetry, & translations. He is mostly known for his novels The Asiatics and The Seven Who Fled.

Italy around the middle 1500s. Master chef Bartolomeo Scappi died and leaves his wealth, knowledge and even name to Giovanni, his long time apprentice