Iris Origo was born in 1902 and was instantly catapulted into a life of "unfair advantages of birth, education, money, environment and opportunity." But she used this birth-right wisely, and her legacy includes a string of books beloved and admired equally by historians, biographers, and readers.

Origo's mother, Lady Sybil Cuffe, married William Bayard Cutting in 1901, and when the family was not traveling to the far corners of the earth, Iris spent her youth in the ancestral estate on Long Island and in her grandfather's castle in Ireland. Her father died tragically when she was eight, and she continued her peripatetic life with her indefatigable mother and beloved governess. A woman who always knew her mind, in 1923 Origo bought La Foce, an entire valley, almost feudal in organization, in the Val d'Orcia of Tuscany. There for fifty years she worked tirelessly with her husband, improving the land and the lot of the peasants, saving endangered children from the brutal incursions of the Nazis, and writing history and memoirs that are still considered classics of the genre.

Origo was at once a woman of action and introspection, of boundless curiosity and endearing innocence. She wrote beautifully, thoughtfully, and lucidly. As Raymond Mortimer once observed of this book, "A masterly biographer here recounts her own story . . . and in this biography she is at her best."

"A small classic of autobiography . . . Origo recreates the lost mad wold of Bernard Berenson and the Anglo-American artistic coterie in Florence. She is marvelous at nuances of place and personality, writing with a subtle mingling of candor and affection that lingers in the mind." -- Fiona MacCarthy

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

This book is being offered by Goodwill, a non-profit organization. All funds raised are used to support the Goodwill which provides quality, effective employment training and basic education to individuals experiencing significant barriers to economic opportunity. Because Jobs Change Lives. Proceeds from the sale of these goods and financial donations from the community make it possible for us to operate our free job training programs. Your donations and purchases help support these important programs and make the community a better place for all of us.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Seattle Goodwill Industries
700 Dearborn PL S, Seattle, WA, 98144, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Returns are accepted according to the Abebooks Returns Policy. We respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

We ship everything within 48 hours, and all our orders are shipped via UPS Mail Innovations. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 6.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.