Book excerpt: As well as being famous for its fine artists and great writers, Italy is also (and consequently) closely associated with romance and passion. The birthplace of the Renaissance has been home to many amazing people. The Amazing People Club invites you to explore their lives in this fascinating title. Be swept away on a musical journey of discovery with the genial Giuseppe Verdi, who is revered as one of the greatest romantic composers of all time. Follow in the footsteps of Rosalba Carriera, who built up a solid career as a leading portraitist of her time in an occupation usually undertaken by men. Discover how Niccolo Machiavelli aspired to become such a forward thinker and philosopher, whose works are still referred to by today's journalists and society in general. Also meet Enrico Fermi, Antonio Meucci and be inspired by these Amazing Italians who contributed to the rebirth of modern history in not only Italy but also in Europe. Each story comes to life through BioViews®. These are short biographical narratives, similar to interviews. They provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions and changed our world.