31 October 1737 Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, the Electress Palatine and last descendant of the grand ducal branch of the Medici, refused to stand by and watch the end of the dynasty that had marked the destiny of Florence for more than four centuries. She responded to the approaching Austrian rule by the House of Lorraine with a legal act under which all the assets that formed part of the Medici collections were bound to the city of Florence, establishing it definitively as a city of art. The protagonist of this book is the history of Florence, from its origins to that fateful day, narrated in the first person by the Electress Palatine herself, accompanied by her inquisitive and loyal servant Maria. AUTHOR: Originally from Molise, Marialuisa Bianchi took her degree in Mediaeval History at the University of Florence. Based in Florence, she has taught Italian and History in high schools and has published several historical novels centered on the fictional character Ekaterina. She began her writing career with short stories for teenagers, an experience which led to the creation of a play script. She collaborates with a cultural association, for which she holds writing seminars and organises lectures on literature. Her seminars have resulted in several collective books. SELLING POINTS: . An account of the history of Florence from its origins to the coming of the Lorenas . Narrated by Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, Electress Palatine 17 b/w illustrations