A Literary Companion to Florence

For centuries Florence has exerted a siren-like pull on writers, drawn to its medieval street and the treasures housed in its exquisite Medici palaces and Renaissance churches. Francis King explores the rich literary tradition established by a vibrant expatriate community, including Stendal, Walter Savage Lando, the Brownings, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Hames, D H Lawrence and Vernon Lee. In this companion guide, Francis King distils the diverse comments of these and other writers to take atour of the city using their own words - passing the palazzos where they stayed and pointing out the churches, cafes and gardens that they loved - to create a memorable picture both of Florence and the colourful personalities who lived there.