Books

BooksLaura Morelli2019-05-17T17:44:44-04:00

Click the book covers for more information.

Award-Winning Art-Historical Fiction

Novels

In Progress:

Click here to be notified when a new book is released!

The Night Portrait: A Novel of Leonardo da Vinci and Nazi Art Theft (standalone)

The Giant: A Novel of Michelangelo’s David (standalone)

THE LAST TESTAMENT OF RAPHAEL OF URBINO (series)

Short Fiction

Authentic Shopping Guides

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Roman Gold | Laura Morelli February 15, 2015 at 3:25 pm - Reply

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Mindful Mondays - Week 26 - Stories Everywhere! November 6, 2017 at 5:14 pm - Reply

[…] on the flight to Montreal, I began to read an advanced copy of Laura Morelli’s latest novel, The Painter’s Apprentice. Set in 1510 Venice, the story is rich with art history from that era. A lesson which added much […]

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“Each year, Americans flock to Italy in search of rich Old-World cultural traditions, including handmade crafts. In Made in Italy, Laura Morelli has created a guide to shopping and touring Italy’s handmade treasures.”

—Tufts Magazine

“Offers a region-by-region tour and uncovers one-of-a-kind hidden workshops and off-the-beaten-path streets that lead to these unique treasures.”

—National Italian American Foundation

“Full of historical information, advice on avoiding scams, and ways to pack it all up to take home…”

—House & Garden Magazine

“I’m a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli’s special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story.”

—Frances Mayes, author, Under the Tuscan Sun

“Sixteenth-century Venice is the star of Laura Morelli’s well-crafted historical novel about the heir to the city’s most renowned gondola builder.”

—Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Offers travelers a complete guide of what to buy where.”

—”Leather-Bound Edition,” CNN Radio

“Laura Morelli guarantees that your souvenirs, whether Murano glass, maiolica ceramics, or marzipan fruits, will be of the utmost quality and value.”

—Italian Cooking & Living

This beautifully illustrated and instructive shopping guide will lead you to the “best of the best” of Old-World artisanal traditions and handmade crafts.

—Endless Vacation

“The heir to a gondola empire rejects his birthright in this fascinating glimpse into Renaissance Venice.”

—Kirkus Indie Book of the Month

A passion for traditional arts inspired Laura Morelli to travel to the remotest corners of Europe in search of artisans who uphold the legacies of their ancestors.

—Coastal Antiques & Art

“Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands.”

—Pamela Sheldon Johns, author, Italian Food Artisans

“Laura Morelli’s extensive research into 16th-century Venice and the art of gondola making brings history to the present.”

—Foreword Reviews

“After reading Laura Morelli’s book, you’ll want to book a trip to Italy just to go shopping. Don’t leave home without her book, though.”

—Holiday Living

“Romance, intrigue, family loyalty, pride and redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy.”

—Library of Clean Reads

A great guide for first-time travelers and more experienced shoppers.

—Italian Trade Commission

“Where to buy balsamic vinegar, carnival masks, even gondolas--and how to get them home.”

—The Miami Herald

“Historical fiction at its best.”

—Midwest Book Review

“After getting her PhD in art history from Yale, Laura Morelli lived in an Italian village that didn’t have a pizzeria or a convenience store, but it did have a splendid cello maker. Such fabulous finds led her to chronicle the ultimate Old World artisans of Italy and create a guide that travelers can use to discern what to buy where.”

—Neiman Marcus Magazine

“Laura Morelli's guides are valuable because they can alert you to treasures you didn’t even know existed.”

—The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

“Historical fiction at its best.”

—Midwest Book Review

“Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands.”

—Pamela Sheldon Johns, author, Italian Food Artisans

“Delicious to read and artfully photographed…as appealing as the beautiful Italian products that it so enticingly describes.”

—Traditional Home

“I'm a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli's special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story.”

—Frances Mayes, author, Under the Tuscan Sun

“Full of historical information, advice on avoiding scams, and ways to pack it all up to take home…”

—House & Garden Magazine

“Offers travelers a complete guide of what to buy where when in Italy.”

—“Leather-Bound Edition,” CNN Radio

“Laura Morelli has set out to make you an expert in handmade crafts.”

—American Style Magazine

“Sixteenth-century Venice is the star of Laura Morelli's well-crafted historical novel about the heir to the city's most renowned gondola builder.”

—Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“The heir to a gondola empire rejects his birthright in this fascinating glimpse into Renaissance Venice.”

—Kirkus Indie Book of the Month

"A compelling and panoramic view of Venice at the height of its wealth, power, and glamor. Highly recommended."

—Historical Novel Society Reviews

"Even for those not planning a trip to Venice, the book is a treat."

—Publishers Weekly

"Fluidly written, interspersed with stunning photographs, and filled with fascinating historical tidbits about the city and its crafts"

—Publishers Weekly

"A good choice for any shopper headed to the land of sun and wine"

—Publishers Weekly

"Laura Morelli's research is thorough and her observations engaging"

—Publishers Weekly

"Period detail is woven seamlessly throughout...a vivid, transportive novel."

—Publishers Weekly

"A story rich in art and love, tempered by sacrifice in Venice in 1510."

—Publishers Weekly

"A story rich in art and love, tempered by sacrifice in Venice in 1510."

—Publishers Weekly

“Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands.”

—Pamela Sheldon Johns, author, Italian Food Artisans

“Laura Morelli has set out to make you an expert in handmade crafts.”

—American Style Magazine

“Full of historical information, advice on avoiding scams, and ways to pack it all up to take home…”

—House & Garden Magazine

“After reading Laura Morelli’s book, you’ll want to book a trip to Italy just to go shopping. Don’t leave home without her book, though.”

—Holiday Living

“Romance, intrigue, family loyalty, pride and redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy.”

—Library of Clean Reads

"Even for those not planning a trip to Venice, the book is a treat."

—Publishers Weekly

“Offers a region-by-region tour and uncovers one-of-a-kind hidden workshops and off-the-beaten-path streets that lead to these unique treasures.”

—National Italian American Foundation

This beautifully illustrated and instructive shopping guide will lead you to the “best of the best” of Old-World artisanal traditions and handmade crafts.

—Endless Vacation

“Historical fiction at its best.”

—Midwest Book Review

“After getting her PhD in art history from Yale, Laura Morelli lived in an Italian village that didn’t have a pizzeria or a convenience store, but it did have a splendid cello maker. Such fabulous finds led her to chronicle the ultimate Old World artisans of Italy and create a guide that travelers can use to discern what to buy where.”

—Neiman Marcus Magazine

“The heir to a gondola empire rejects his birthright in this fascinating glimpse into Renaissance Venice.”

—Kirkus Indie Book of the Month

"Laura Morelli's research is thorough and her observations engaging"

—Publishers Weekly

“Sixteenth-century Venice is the star of Laura Morelli’s well-crafted historical novel about the heir to the city’s most renowned gondola builder.”

—Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Laura Morelli's guides are valuable because they can alert you to treasures you didn’t even know existed.”

—The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

“Historical fiction at its best.”

—Midwest Book Review

“Offers travelers a complete guide of what to buy where when in Italy.”

—“Leather-Bound Edition,” CNN Radio

"Fluidly written, interspersed with stunning photographs, and filled with fascinating historical tidbits about the city and its crafts"

—Publishers Weekly

“I'm a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli's special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story.”

—Frances Mayes, author, Under the Tuscan Sun

A passion for traditional arts inspired Laura Morelli to travel to the remotest corners of Europe in search of artisans who uphold the legacies of their ancestors.

—Coastal Antiques & Art

“Each year, Americans flock to Italy in search of rich Old-World cultural traditions, including handmade crafts. In Made in Italy, Laura Morelli has created a guide to shopping and touring Italy’s handmade treasures.”

—Tufts Magazine

“Offers travelers a complete guide of what to buy where.”

—”Leather-Bound Edition,” CNN Radio

“Full of historical information, advice on avoiding scams, and ways to pack it all up to take home…”

—House & Garden Magazine

“Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands.”

—Pamela Sheldon Johns, author, Italian Food Artisans

"Period detail is woven seamlessly throughout...a vivid, transportive novel."

—Publishers Weekly

“Laura Morelli guarantees that your souvenirs, whether Murano glass, maiolica ceramics, or marzipan fruits, will be of the utmost quality and value.”

—Italian Cooking & Living

“I’m a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli’s special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story.”

—Frances Mayes, author, Under the Tuscan Sun

"A compelling and panoramic view of Venice at the height of its wealth, power, and glamor. Highly recommended."

—Historical Novel Society Reviews

“Sixteenth-century Venice is the star of Laura Morelli's well-crafted historical novel about the heir to the city's most renowned gondola builder.”

—Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Where to buy balsamic vinegar, carnival masks, even gondolas--and how to get them home.”

—The Miami Herald

A great guide for first-time travelers and more experienced shoppers.

—Italian Trade Commission

“Laura Morelli’s extensive research into 16th-century Venice and the art of gondola making brings history to the present.”

—Foreword Reviews

“The heir to a gondola empire rejects his birthright in this fascinating glimpse into Renaissance Venice.”

—Kirkus Indie Book of the Month

"A good choice for any shopper headed to the land of sun and wine"

—Publishers Weekly

“Delicious to read and artfully photographed…as appealing as the beautiful Italian products that it so enticingly describes.”

—Traditional Home

Books

Click the book covers for more information.

Award-Winning Art-Historical Fiction

Novels

<img class="alignnone wp-image-6274 size-medium" src="https://lauramorelli.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/GondolaMaker-Revised-188x300.jpg" alt="" width="188" height="300" />

In Progress:

Short Fiction

<img class="alignnone wp-image-5507 size-full" src="https://lauramorelli.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Bridge-of-Sighs-final-cover-e1472510372532.png" alt="Bridge of Sighs final cover" width="188" height="300" />

Authentic Shopping Guides

2 Comments

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

“Each year, Americans flock to Italy in search of rich Old-World cultural traditions, including handmade crafts. In Made in Italy, Laura Morelli has created a guide to shopping and touring Italy’s handmade treasures.”

“Offers a region-by-region tour and uncovers one-of-a-kind hidden workshops and off-the-beaten-path streets that lead to these unique treasures.”

“Full of historical information, advice on avoiding scams, and ways to pack it all up to take home…”

“I’m a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli’s special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story.”

“Sixteenth-century Venice is the star of Laura Morelli’s well-crafted historical novel about the heir to the city’s most renowned gondola builder.”

“Offers travelers a complete guide of what to buy where.”

“Laura Morelli guarantees that your souvenirs, whether Murano glass, maiolica ceramics, or marzipan fruits, will be of the utmost quality and value.”

This beautifully illustrated and instructive shopping guide will lead you to the “best of the best” of Old-World artisanal traditions and handmade crafts.

“The heir to a gondola empire rejects his birthright in this fascinating glimpse into Renaissance Venice.”

A passion for traditional arts inspired Laura Morelli to travel to the remotest corners of Europe in search of artisans who uphold the legacies of their ancestors.

“Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands.”

“Laura Morelli’s extensive research into 16th-century Venice and the art of gondola making brings history to the present.”

“After reading Laura Morelli’s book, you’ll want to book a trip to Italy just to go shopping. Don’t leave home without her book, though.”

“Romance, intrigue, family loyalty, pride and redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy.”

A great guide for first-time travelers and more experienced shoppers.

“Where to buy balsamic vinegar, carnival masks, even gondolas--and how to get them home.”

“Historical fiction at its best.”

“Laura Morelli's guides are valuable because they can alert you to treasures you didn’t even know existed.”

“Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands.”

“After reading Laura Morelli’s book, you’ll want to book a trip to Italy just to go shopping. Don’t leave home without her book, though.”

“Romance, intrigue, family loyalty, pride and redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy.”

“Offers a region-by-region tour and uncovers one-of-a-kind hidden workshops and off-the-beaten-path streets that lead to these unique treasures.”

This beautifully illustrated and instructive shopping guide will lead you to the “best of the best” of Old-World artisanal traditions and handmade crafts.

“The heir to a gondola empire rejects his birthright in this fascinating glimpse into Renaissance Venice.”

“Sixteenth-century Venice is the star of Laura Morelli’s well-crafted historical novel about the heir to the city’s most renowned gondola builder.”

“Laura Morelli's guides are valuable because they can alert you to treasures you didn’t even know existed.”

“Historical fiction at its best.”

A passion for traditional arts inspired Laura Morelli to travel to the remotest corners of Europe in search of artisans who uphold the legacies of their ancestors.

“Each year, Americans flock to Italy in search of rich Old-World cultural traditions, including handmade crafts. In Made in Italy, Laura Morelli has created a guide to shopping and touring Italy’s handmade treasures.”

“Offers travelers a complete guide of what to buy where.”

“Full of historical information, advice on avoiding scams, and ways to pack it all up to take home…”

“Laura Morelli guarantees that your souvenirs, whether Murano glass, maiolica ceramics, or marzipan fruits, will be of the utmost quality and value.”

“I’m a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli’s special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story.”

“Where to buy balsamic vinegar, carnival masks, even gondolas--and how to get them home.”

A great guide for first-time travelers and more experienced shoppers.

“Laura Morelli’s extensive research into 16th-century Venice and the art of gondola making brings history to the present.”