This week a friend came to visit us from the US and when I explained to my eight year old girl that he studied as an opera singer, she immediately asked if he might sing 'Nessun Dorma' (an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot) for us. Her question made me realise that the relationship between Italians and art is a rather special one. We grow up surrounded by masterpieces that become part of our life in a very natural and simple way. Art is not a fancy, distant world for the rich elite or the experts, it is part of everyone's life. My butcher, my hairdresser, my doctor all share a passion for opera. Do not get my uncle, a retired carpenter, started on Michelangelo and Bernini... Earlier this year, we asked your support for a project by The Florentine which seemed to embrace exactly this Italian approach to art, a biography of Michelangelo's David. The book by art historian Victor Coonin is a response to the question 'Why is Michelangelo's David so famous?' and, as he explains in our exclusive interview, combines the authoritative knowledge of an expert with an easygoing narrative that makes it accessible to everyone. As a way to thank Italy Magazine readers for the support with the Kickstarter campaign, The Florentine has put together a special offer for our readers for those interested in buying the book. It is an amazing view on the life and times of arguably the most famous statue in the world. Buy it and enjoy it!