New-York tribune., 1905-02-11
STROLLS IN TUSCANY.
Notes on the Regions Ruled by the
Medici.
THE MEDICI BALLS. Seven Little Journeys In
Tuscany. Anna r. Sheldon. NJ Moyca Newell.
Illustrated Small 4to. PIP. 2S7 Charterhouse

Tuscany. Anna R. Sheldon NJ. Moyca Newell
Press
The authors of this book record in happy
moods the incidents and observations of various
leisurey trips out of Florence into the surround
ing country Many an old Tuscan town, full
of the beauty Of art and the spell of historic
tragedy, is easily accessible by foot, carriage
tramway from the city. All more or less
associated with the rule of the great family
whose shield bore the red balls the golden
field, and the title of the book, If somewhat
strained, is not entirely unjustiied. Those tray
ellers who linger in Florence in the spring
time will find this, in some sort, guide to brief
excursions. and very pleasant guide
over. The many illustrations particularly
good. including the photographs taken by the
authors
The prosaic part of these little journeys is
suffused with rosy light. Everything is COM
Portable. everybody is amable. Even the Tus-
diligence comes in for gentle remembrance
in spite of its drawbacks-'it is usually COW
cred with dust; it's brown canvas curtains
strapped down, excluding all air and views and
full up to bursting with all sorts and condi-
tions of humanity and luggage. However, one
is always sure of the most respectful and oblig
ing driver. smiling and kindly travelling COM
panions and no end of interesting chat and story
at the cost Of a few centesimi" There are fas-
cinating hooks of Tuscan hill and valley even
yet little known, and in their lovelness and
their seclusion most inviting to the pedestrian.
With few exceptions, the inns of the country
towns furnished excellent food to these trav-
ellers-something which cannot be said of the
inns not far away in Titian's country. Tus-
cany, If we may trust these "reminiscences. is
full Of good things to eat-especially in places
like the Chianti farm, whereat was held dainty
70 Ixn he
water Tuscan cookery and Tuscan servants
at their best" we are told, cannot be equalled
the world over
The relation between the italian family and
wants is in many almost ideal: there is COM
mistress talks and consuts with the maid and she.
in turn, depends on her mistress as on mother.
and yet neither forgets her place and dignity. AS
for food. where will one find such sweet, tender
in a dozen different ways. each better than the
other? How could one have lived half a century
may be rung on rice or cornmeal? What a far
different object the pomdoro IS in Tusesny sn from rom
ever can measure the capacities OF chestnuts? As
methods of cooking are legion, and one never seems
cloyed with the Tuscan chicken; oil and cheese
their coffee leaves much to be desired; but who
Of Val d'Arno, when pure wine may be had for
the asking,
How many years will pass wonder. before
the cheese and the oil are viely adulterated
and the chickens and the vegetables come out
of the cold storage bins with all their SAVIOR
gone?
The most interesting of these chapters are
devoted TO strolls about Pstoja. Lucca. the hills
Of Brancoli and the haunts of Castruccio Cas-
tracare, the soldier Of fortune, who, beginning
with nothing, ended Duke of Lucca and
remaT kable statesman Details of the lives of
notable Tuscans give picturesque interest to
word pictures of ancient towns medieval ram
parts and famous works of art Especially at
tractive to these travellers were the Della Robbia
productions, and many excellent photographs
testify to their ardent search Their notes on
Tuscan masterpieces unpretentious as
they devout, and they ought to be of real
use to those who have less taste and informa-
ton. Those who know the glories with which
the book deals will find agreeable reminders on
every page.