`The last in a tradition of amateur scholars in the best sense of the word... magisterial.' TLS, Bruce Boucher; `Deliciously unexpected.' Richard Dorment, The Oldie; `Touching and at times very funny.' James Stourton, Literary Review; `Honest, idiosyncratic and engaging... a very human link with a rich but slowly vanishing strand of Anglo-Italian culture and ideas.' Jeremy Musson, Country Life; `Interesting and well-written.' Sam Leith, Literary Editor Spectator; `Brilliant... light-hearted... [an] ideal summer read.' Mary Killen, The Lady; `Amusing.' Daily Mail