Old stories

Old books have value beyond measure--whether you read them online or you get real copies for some favorite children. Try Legends and Stories of Italy by Amy Steedman, it's online to read here, with its great, old-fashioned illustrations by Scottish Katherine Cameron [1874-1965]. The image above is of Dianora de Bardi, from the story "A Tale of Old Florence", a happy type of Romeo and Juliet story. Here's a little excerpt:

From early morning the bells had rung out. Coloured cloths and gay carpets hung out from every window. In the great square the city banners were floating in the breeze, and throngs of country-people came hurrying through the gates, all dressed in holiday attire. The churches were hung with crimson silk and velvet hangings, and a blaze of candles lit up each altar in honour of the festa of the patron saint of Florence.