Frances Mayes

FRANCES MAYES is the author of four bestsellers, Under the Tuscan Sun, Bella
Tuscany, Everyday in Tuscany, and In Tuscany. All are about taking chances, living in
Italy, and the voluptuousness of Italian life. A widely published poet and essayist,
Mayes has written numerous memoirs, books of poetry, and novels. Formerly a
professor of creative writing at San Francisco State University, she now devotes
herself full-time to writing, traveling, and restoring a historic garden. She and her
husband divide their time between North Carolina and Cortona, Italy.
ONDINE COHANE, a contributing editor at Conde Nast Traveler, writes regularly for
the New York Times travel section, among many other publications. She has appeared
on CNN and Good Morning America, and co-hosts Conde Nast Traveler s Insider Guide
series on PBS. Cohane lives in the Renaissance town of Pienza in Southern Tuscany
and owns two boutique hotels.