Travel writer Mark Gordon Smith's first book, "Tuscan Echoes," brought readers to the Italian Culture.

He spent his early childhood on Italy's Tuscan Coast. From those early days, and from forty years of exploring the country, he brings to us once again his insights and observations of Italian life. From haunting ancient ruins on Sicily to the lyrical, poetic beauty of the Lake region, ITALIA LIRICA brings to a close the author's Italian Trilogy.

The endless possibilities of travel make life so exciting; there are so many places to see and wonderful people to meet. The sense of wonder that travels bring is evident in Mark Gordon Smith's Italia Lirica. In this book, the author takes you on a trip along the cobblestone streets of Italy while sharing the places he has visited, the people he has met, and the sentiments he feels towards the culture and history of Italy.

These travel essays provide particular attention to detail. The author narrates his visits to Italian museums, churches, and other historical places. He shares lesser-known places that reveal more about Italy than many of the most populous cities. The author paints beautifully vivid pictures in the reader's imagination, allowing one to visualize the beauty of all the places he's visiting. What I like the most about this book is the author's emotional musings. He confesses so much appreciation for Italian culture and history, weaving them into his sentiments about the human experience. Aside from many beautiful descriptions, the author also includes photographs accompanying historical perspectives on works of Renaissance Italian paintings.

The book has emotional resonance, especially involving the author's sentimental ideas. The book is perfect for those who enjoy reading a narrative with a melancholic and nostalgic feel. I highly recommend this book to those interested in European travel essays, especially about Italian history and culture.