A tower in Tuscany : or a home for my writers and other animals / collected by Beatrice Monti della Corte ; photography by François Halard ; edited by Michael Cunningham.

This remarkable collection of essays celebrates a very special country estate in Tuscany that has become a noted retreat for writers and other creatives. Paired with exquisite photographs by François Halard-atmospheric interiors, lush gardens, inspiring landscapes-these essays have been penned by some of the world's most critically acclaimed writers. Beatrice Monti della Corte, along with her late husband Gregor von Rezori, transformed a collection of ruins in the hills above Florence first into a writing studio and then ultimately into a weekend and holiday retreat. Here they would spend time working at their craft, nurturing the gardens and an astonishing variety of pets, usually while also hosting groups of friends-fellow artists and writers. This gracious and convivial tradition of weaving hospitality, creativity, and bonhomie together resulted in the founding of the Santa Maddalena Retreat for Writers and the Santa Maddalena Fellowships under the aegis of the Santa Maddalena Foundation-- adapted from jacket flap

"A collection of essays and reminiscences written by some of the world's finest writers and cultural figures celebrates the Santa Maddalena Foundation, its literary fellowship program, the restored Tuscan villa that has hosted and nurtured these remarkable creatives, and Beatrice Monti della Corte Rezzori who has long been at the heart of this cultural endeavor. Included will be 29 essays. Tentative specifications are hardcover, 8 x 11 inches, 224 pages, and list price of $55 per copy"-- Provided by publisher.