Laura Morelli has 7 audiobooks on Listento.it, narrated by 3 narrators, with an average listener rating of 4.5★ across 3 ratings. The most-rated is The Gondola Maker.
The Gondola Maker
Summary
From the author of Made in Italy comes a tale of artisanal tradition and family bonds set in one of the world's most magnificent settings: Renaissance Venice. Venetian gondola-maker Luca Vianello considers his whole life arranged. His father charted a course for his eldest son from the day he was born, and Luca is positioned to inherit one of the city's most esteemed boatyards. But when Luca experiences an unexpected tragedy in the boatyard, he believes that his destiny lies elsewhere. Soon, he finds himself drawn to restore an antique gondola with the dream of taking a girl for a ride. The Gondola Maker brings the centuries-old art of gondola making to life in the tale of a young man's complicated relationship with his master-craftsman father. Lovers of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic details of gondola craftsmanship, along with an intimate first-person narrative set against the richly textured backdrop of 16th-century Venice.
©2014 Laura Morelli (P)2016 Laura Morelli
The Painter's Apprentice
Summary
Star-crossed lovers with a costly secret. As the plague grips Venice, more than a quarantine divides them.... Venice, 1510. Maria Bartolini wants nothing more than to carry on her father's legacy as a master gilder. Instead, her father has sent her away from the only home she's ever known to train as an apprentice to Master Trevisan, a renowned painter. Maria arranges to leave the painter's workshop to return to her family workshop and to a secret lover waiting for her back home. But the encroaching Black Death foils her plans.... When the painter's servants uncover the real reason why Maria has been sent away to train with Master Trevisan, they threaten to reveal a secret that could tear down her family and the future of their trade. She is forced to buy the servants' silence, but as their greed steadily grows, Maria resorts to more desperate measures. She questions whether her heart's desire is worth risking her family, her trade, and her future, but Maria's sacrifices may amount to nothing if the plague arrives on her father's doorstep and steals away everything she's ever loved.... From the author of the award-winning The Gondola Maker comes a rich tale of Renaissance Venice, a heroine with a lust for life, and love against all odds. Buy The Painter's Apprentice today to transport yourself to the vibrant and dangerous world of 16th-century Venice....
©2017 Laura Morelli (P)2017 Laura Morelli
Made in Venice
Summary
Going to Venice, Italy? Don't buy anything in Venice until you listen to this book! If you're traveling to Venice, Italy, you want to go home with a special souvenir: a piece of Murano glass, a work of Burano lace, a carnival mask, or one of the city's famous luxury fabrics. But selecting which mask or which goblet to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, something made in Venice, something made in a traditional way? How do you determine if you've fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps? Buyer Beware: Venice is full of tourist traps and mass-produced souvenirs passed off as authentic. Do you know how to tell the treasures from the trash? In Venice, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. This is true now more than ever before, as increasing numbers of carnival masks, glass, and other souvenirs flood into Venice, imported from overseas and passed off as authentic. There is no substitute for an educated buyer. Laura Morelli leads you to the city's most authentic arts - the centuries-old trades of mask making, glass blowing, wood turning, silk spinning, and other traditions. Wouldn't you rather support authentic Venetian master artisans than importers looking to turn a quick profit without any connection to Venice at all? Venice boasts some of the most famous artistic traditions in the world. Here's what you need to know about them. Laura Morelli leads you beyond the souvenir shops for an immersive cultural experience that you won't find in any other guidebook. This indispensable guide includes practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world.
©2015 Laura Morelli (P)2016 Laura Morelli
Made in Florence
Summary
If you're traveling to Florence, Italy, you want to go home with a special souvenir: a leather bag, a gold bracelet, or a beautiful set of stationery. But selecting which wallet or jacket to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, made locally and in a traditional way? How do you determine if you've fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps? Florence is full of tourist traps and knockoffs passed off as authentic. Do you know how to tell the treasures from the trash? In Florence, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. This is true now more than ever before, as increasing numbers of souvenirs flood into Florence, imported from overseas and passed off as authentic. There is no substitute for an educated buyer. Laura Morelli leads you to the city's most authentic arts - the centuries-old trades of leather working, wood turning, silk spinning, and other traditions. Wouldn't you rather support authentic Florentine master artisans than importers looking to turn a quick profit without any connection to Florence at all? Florence boasts some of the most famous artistic traditions in the world. Here's what you need to know about them. Laura Morelli leads you beyond the souvenir shops for an immersive cultural experience that you won't find in any other guidebook. This indispensable guide includes practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Packed with useful information on pricing, quality, and value, and with a comprehensive resource guide, this audiobook is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to bring home the unique traditions of the birthplace of the Renaissance.
©2015 Laura Morelli (P)2016 Laura Morelli
Made in Naples & the Amalfi Coast
Summary
Every trip needs a souvenir. When you encounter limoncello, handmade cameos, or the famous nativities of Naples, Italy, you'll be tempted to take a part of this beautiful place home with you. But how do you know if you're buying something authentic or serving one of the region's many tourist traps? Author and art historian Laura Morelli is here to help. In Italy, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. In this audiobook, Morelli leads you through the region's most authentic arts. By teaching you the difference between authentic master artisans and the knock-offs, Morelli will make you every tourist trap's worst nightmare: an educated buyer. Join Laura Morelli on a journey beyond the souvenir shops into an immersive cultural experience you won't find in any other guidebook. In this book, you'll discover: Practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in Naples & the Amalfi Coast Useful information on pricing, quality, and value A comprehensive resource guide The brief history of Neapolitan art And much, much more! Laura Morelli is a trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping. If you like fascinating historical tidbits, comprehensive resources, and an immersive experience into the history of Italian art, then you'll love this fluidly written book. Bring Morelli's book alongside more traditional guidebooks on your vacation and you'll be sure to come back with the best of Italy in your suitcase! Download this book today to enjoy a richer experience in Naples and the Amalfi Coast...without getting ripped off!
©2015 Laura Morelli (P)2016 Laura Morelli
The Giant: A Novel of Michelangelo's David
Summary
As a colossal statue takes shape in Renaissance Florence, the lives of a master sculptor and a struggling painter become stunningly intertwined. Florence, 1500. Fresco painter Jacopo Torni longs to make his mark in the world. But while his peers enjoy prestigious commissions, his meager painting jobs are all earmarked to pay down gambling debts. When Jacopo hears of a competition to create Florence's greatest sculpture, he pins all his hopes on a collaboration with his boyhood companion, Michelangelo Buonarroti. But will the frustrated artist ever emerge from the shadow of his singularly gifted friend? From the author of The Painter's Apprentice and The Gondola Maker comes a gorgeously crafted, immersive tale of Renaissance Italy. Based on a true story.
©2020 Laura Morelli (P)2020 Laura Morelli
Made in France
Summary
Baccarat crystal. Limoges porcelain. Scented gloves and handmade Parisian umbrellas. The prized digestifs, Armagnac, and Cognac.
Organized by region, with one chapter devoted to Paris, Made in France takes you on a complete tour of the dazzling, artisanal legacy of France, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind, hidden workshops, where everything from lingerie to chocolate is turned out completely by hand, piece by piece.
Also discover the companion guide, Artisans of France, with complete, continually updated listings of Laura's personally recommended shops and artisans across France.
Laura Morelli, art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you behind the tourist traps to discover some of France's most traditional arts. Laura holds a PhD in art history from Yale University and shares how, what, and where to buy; hints on recognizing quality and authenticity; and tips for bringing home the artisanal treasures of France in your suitcase.
©2019 Authentic Arts Publishing (P)2019 Authentic Arts Publishing