BBC4 is reshowing Francesco da Mosto’s Italy Top to Toe (Tuesdays 8pm). It is a wonderful series and last night saw Francesco in Tuscany, meeting Iris Origo’s daughter Benedetta at the family’s magnificent estate La Foce, immortalised by Iris’s wartime memoir War in Val d’Orcia – a modern classic and one of A&B’s perennial bestsellers. Whilst Iris’ words brought the estate to life on the page, it was a delight to revisit her story and explore the remarkable beauty of the place on screen – with the camera giving us a glimpse of the courtyard and house, the intricate gardens and the stunning views of the countryside.  With so many beautiful shots to choose from, it must have been difficult to pick one shot to feature on the cover to the book…

You can still catch the episode on BBCIplayer HERE (and La Foce features from 20.00min – 24.18min)

Susie Dunlop, Publishing Director