Laura Morelli holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and has taught at the college level in the U.S. and in Italy. She is a TedEd educator and a columnist for National Geographic Traveler magazine. Her debut novel, The Gondola Maker, earned a starred review in Publishers Weekly as well as IPPY and Benjamin Franklin Awards. Her nonfiction travel guide series, including the popular book Made in Italy, was originally published by Rizzoli / Universe.