ITALO CALVINO s superb storytelling gifts earned him international renown and a reputation as one of the world's best fabulists (New York Times Book Review). Heis the author of numerous works of fiction, as well as essays, criticism, and literary anthologies. Born in Cuba in 1923, Calvino was raised in Italy, where he lived most of his life. At the time of his death, in Siena in 1985, he was the most translated contemporary Italian writer.

William Woys Weaver is Director of the Keystone Center for the Study of Regional Foods and Food Tourism. He has written fourteen books, including "Heirloom Vegetable Gardening" and "Pennsylvania Dutch Country Cooking, " both of which received Julia Child awards. A contributing editor to Gourmet, Weaver has also served as Associate Editor and Art Editor for "The Encyclopedia of Food and Culture". He has appeared on many national programs, including "Good Morning America" and NPR s "Fresh Air."