By Massimo Listri, Rizzoli, $125, 368 pages

10Tuscany: Vistas, Churches, Museums, Art, Villas & Gardens with photographs by Massimo Listri is a superb tribute to one of the most beautiful cities on earth. The 11” by 17” matte-finish, thick, quality pages fill a room with their beauty, and wait until you open up the pull-out photos!

In 1302, Danti was reported to have said, “there exists no more delightful place in the world than Florence.” Another quote within the pages of this tribute is, “Florence alone probably boasts more artistic masterpieces per square foot than anywhere else on the planet.” This is accurately portrayed in this handsome, amaranthine package of Tuscany that appeals to all the senses. The ancient art is unparalleled, the ornate architecture is what inspires artists, the gardens will make you hum with orgasmic joy, the fantastical culture is surreal — and all is captured in the hardbound, marvel-producing pages.

One would be hard-pressed to find the right superlatives to describe the sheer elegance, beauty and magnificence of this work. You’re going to need a really big coffee table for this incredible tome!

Reviewed by M. Chris Johnson,