Book excerpt: Master of light and shadow, revolutionary realist, and violent street brawler—Caravaggio's life is shrouded in mystery and myth. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio settled in Rome in 1592, where he painted much of the best work of his brief, but brilliant, career. His violent temper, however, did not serve him well, and in 1606 he was forced to flee Rome. This book features detailed walking tours of Rome and Valletta in Malta where the artist lived, loved and labored. Readers will discover the sights and stories behind such an iconic work like "Death of the Virgin."