In 1279, thirteen years before Marco Polo returns from China, Ponzio Bastone, a Genoese crossbowman, wrote his will, giving a basketful of macaroni to his heirs. A copy of the will was filed in the city archives of Genoa.
Lantern Across the Sea is the story of Bastone who sets out on a trading expedition across the Mediterranean during the thirteenth century. He departs Genoa, arranged to be married to a woman of the most powerful family in the city, but on the voyage becomes enthralled with Esmeray, the daughter of a Greek fisherman.
As he travels across the expansive Genoese trading empire, Bastone conceals his prime aim midst the commercial venture. Charles of Anjou, King of Sicily, is massing his fleets, proclaiming he will lead a crusade to free Jerusalem from the Muslims, hiding his real goal of attacking Christian Constantinople. At each port of call, Bastone secretly meets with powerful state leaders from Constantinople to Sicily to Spain, as a part of the conspiracy to thwart the king’s attack.
Bastone and Esmeray, amid a chaotic and dangerous world of pirates, assassins, slave traders, and hostile family prejudice, must together prevent a history-changing catastrophe.
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Lantern Across the Sea
Lantern Across the Sea by Michael Ponzio is a delightful romantic tale woven expertly into the rich political and religious history of the Mediterranean during the 13th Century. Mr. Ponzio continues to paint vivid mental pictures while expanding upon unique cultural traditions. He effectively captures the imagination and pulls you into the world of the past while effortlessly educating the reader of the complex history of the time. Hands down this is his finest work to date!
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Book Reviews
Mike Ponzio has done it again! The Ponzios who are testa dura. Like a Chianti classico reserve, Mike's craft continues to mature with time. As with some of his past work, the story quickly endears a character to the reader, and then changes direction completely, leaving me wanting more. I actually read this book while travelling in Italy. Its part love story, spy novel, history lesson, geography, nautical, cultural. I especially liked all the maps at the beginnings of chapters. I actually bought mastic gum from Chios, Greec as a result of reading this book. I'm ready for the next one.
Daniel Dickens - Amazon Review
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Lantern Across the Sea by Michael Ponzio is a delightful romantic tale woven expertly into the rich political and religious history of the Mediterranean during the 13th Century. Mr. Ponzio continues to paint vivid mental pictures while expanding upon unique cultural traditions. He effectively captures the imagination and pulls you into the world of the past while effortlessly educating the reader of the complex history of the time. Hands down this is his finest work to date!