Award-winning travel writer and illustrator, David Yeadon embarks with his wife, Anne on an exploration of the "lost word" of Basilicata, in the arch of Italy's boot. What is intended as a brief sojourn turns into an intriguing residency in the ancient hill village of Aliano, where Carlo Levi, author of the world-renowned memoir Christ Stopped at Eboli, was imprisoned by Mussolini for anti-Fascist activities. As the Yeadons become immersed in Aliano's rich tapestry of people, traditions, and festivals, reveling in the rituals and rhythms of the grape and olive harvests, the culinary delights, and other peculiarities of place, they discover that much of the pagan strangeness that Carlo Levi and other notable authors revealed still lurks beneath the beguiling surface of Basilicata. “Strange, moving, and entertaining.” - ―Jan Morris on The Way of the Wanderer “One of the best travel writers in the world.” - Dolores Derrickson, Rocky Mountain News “A warm welcome to a balcony view of Aliano.” - Albany Times Union “A compelling book...that comes close to re-creating the place and the man.” - David Citino, Columbus Dispatch “Delightful, with the odd twist to eerie.” - Paul Carbray, The Gazette (Montreal) “Yeadon leaves you pleasantly stuffed, slightly intoxicated and feeling warmer for the company.” - Kathy Balog, USA Today “This is a true traveler…who can make the most innocent encounter a memorable experience.” - Ann Geracimos, Washington Times “Wonderful account” - June Sawyers, Philadelphia Inquirer “Leave it to Yeadon to choose one of the country’s most overlooked provinces.” - Pamela Paul, New York Times Award-winning travel writer and illustrator, David Yeadon embarks with his wife, Anne on an exploration of the "lost word" of Basilicata, in the arch of Italy's boot. What is intended as a brief sojourn turns into an intriguing residency in the ancient hill village of Aliano, where Carlo Levi, author of the world-renowned memoir Christ Stopped at Eboli, was imprisoned by Mussolini for anti-Fascist activities. As the Yeadons become immersed in Aliano's rich tapestry of people, traditions, and festivals, reveling in the rituals and rhythms of the grape and olive harvests, the culinary delights, and other peculiarities of place, they discover that much of the pagan strangeness that Carlo Levi and other notable authors revealed still lurks beneath the beguiling surface of Basilicata. David Yeadon is the author of Seasons in Basilicata and the bestselling National Geographic Guide to the World's Secret Places . He has written, illustrated, and designed more than twenty books about traveling around the world. He lives with his wife, Anne, in Mohegan Lake, New York.