The Happy Summer Days: A Sicilian Childhood

by Fulco de Verdura

Fulco Santostefano della Cerda, Duke of Verdura, was born in the 1890s at the Vill Niscemi on the outskirts of Palermo. This book describes his childhood in that beautiful place at the beginning of this century and paints vignettes of a bygone era of luxurious palaces, gardens and parks.

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several years ago, I was given a book of the Palaces and Villas of Sicily, with gorgeous photos of architectural wonders, and historical references to the lives of kings and aristocrats who called them home. Fulco, Duke of Verdura, recounts his childhood years growing up in the Villa Niscemi outside of Palermo. One can see how his education and exposure to the arts led to a career as a top jewelry designer for celebrities such as Coco Chanel, often collaborating on designs with Salvador Dali. While the book does not cover his adult years in detail, Fulco's memoir did pique my interest enough to pursue a more complete biography of his life. The Happy Summer Days is a delightful account of his early life.