Still, it was the artistic traditions of Europe that lured me back and inspired me to study the great artists of the past.  Living in Europe and Latin America, I realized that in many places, centuries-old craft traditions are still living traditions.

So began my quest to discover craftspeople passing on a specific kind of knowledge to the next generation.  You can’t imagine how many artisans are quietly turning out masterpieces in tiny studios around the globe.  Sharing their stories and their amazing achievements with you is truly my life’s work.

The goal of my books is to enhance your appreciation of, and perhaps introduce you to, the most typical, handcrafted goods from around the world—Texan cowboy boots, Limoges porcelain, Navajo rugs, Deruta ceramics, Parisian perfume, Baccarat crystal, Mexican textiles, Hopi baskets, Sardinian gold...  

The books in my Made in… series are not simple shopper’s guides.  Rather, I want to lead you beyond the tourist traps and souvenir shops to discover the stories and the people behind extraordinary regional traditions.  I want to share what makes these places and their world-class products special, and to help you bring home great values in your suitcase.  These books are about why you’re supposed to buy Murano glass…and more.

Laura Morelli is a writer and art historian specializing in the world's most authentic craft traditions.  Morelli holds degrees in languages and art history, including a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University.  She has taught at Trinity College, Tufts University, and Northeastern University, and has spoken to public audiences across the U.S.  A native of coastal Georgia, Morelli lives in Connecticut with her family.