C'era una volta a Firenze (Libreria Condotta)

Più che una libreria, fu una chiesa per i libri.

Libreria Condotta was a delightful little bookshop not far from Piazza della Signoria. 

The type of bookstore with those old ladders left leaning against the shelves, which of course lined the place from floor to ceiling.

The owners were incredibly knowledgeable, and even a bit intimidating. I always had the sense I was interrupting something very important whenever I asked a question.

But they had everything, so many delicious Italian novels. Once when I visited, I asked for advice about picking a novel to read and the owner made a few wonderful suggestions but as it happened, they were all Italian books I'd already read.

And he said, "My, you've really read a lot of Italian literature."

I share the exchange here because it's one of those compliments you never forget -- like the praise my high school English teacher once kindly heaped on my writing. A compliment from someone you so admire -- and maybe even fear -- that the words are truly a gift to savor forever.

The bookstore is long gone.

In fact, it's now a winebar. Ah, the remembrance of things past! Past and now lost forever.