Quotes from Kate Simon

Go slow. If you have the time for eight countries, take five. If you're rushed to take five, take three.

Gonzaga were aware of, though seemingly undisturbed by, the rise of a strong merchant class financially outreaching the aristocracy, the hordes of Protestants in the north; and the renewed ambition and drive of the king of France.

The volatile politics of Italy acquired additional complications at the end of the fifteenth century. Charles VIII had died in the spring of 1498, leaving as his successor Louis XII, formerly the duke of Valois and Orleans and, through his descent from Valentino Visconti, a claimant to the duchy of Milan. Old treaties were exhumed and new theatres penned, their ultimate effect being to cut Italy to bits.

Among the freest women were the singers and actresses of travelling companies, the most capable groups attached for long periods to one court or another, as in Mantua and Ferrara.

Here I stand, hobbled in a sack of doom, determined to tear out of it, knowing that I will.

The best way to get around in New York is to be both rich and patient.