William Bernhardt

Magic City Books welcomes William (Bill) Bernhardt for an event to celebrate the release of his latest book, The Florentine Poet on Saturday, April 1 at 2:00 pm.

Joining Bill in conversation will be Barry Friedman, author of numerous books including the recent, Jack S*it. 

Bill Bernhardt is the author of more than 60 books including the national bestseller, The Last Chance Lawyer. His latest book, The Florentine Poet, sends the reader to Tuscany where an American poet unravels the mystery of why the churches are closed on Christmas Eve.

At the conclusion of the program, Bill will sign copies of The Florentine Poet. This program is free and open to the public.

About The Florentine Poet

Why are the churches closed on Christmas Eve in Florence’s San Frediano district? This mystery perplexes an acclaimed American poet who journeys to the fabled city seeking inspiration. The proprietor of his hotel, raconteur Alberto Giannotti, reveals that it has nothing to do with the holiday-and everything to do with poetry.

With charm and Tuscan flair, Giannotti relates the story of Pietro Begnini, who was blessed with the sign of the sonnet. He wants to become a poet and marry his beloved Sophia-but a devastating blow from a jealous enemy, the Grand Inquisitor for the Academy of Poetic Arts, sends him reeling throughout Italy and beyond. Pietro meets the great genius Leo (from Vinci), the doomed beauty Lucy (eventually a Borgia), the publishing pioneer Aldus Manutius, the poetry instructor Vito (the Vituperative), and the renowned pirate Jean-David Neu, the Italian Flail. He is even tempted by The Evil One. But eventually, Pietro returns to Florence for one last chance to achieve his dreams.

If you cherish passion, perseverance, or poets, you’ll be enthralled by this enchanting story of what one man can achieve for love. The Florentine Poet is bestselling author William Bernhardt’s most personal and unique work, illuminated by Brian Call’s delightful illustrations.

William Bernhardt is the author of over sixty books, including The Last Chance Lawyer (#1 National Bestseller), the historical novels Challengers of the Dust and Nemesis, two books of poetry, and the Red Sneaker books on writing. In addition, Bernhardt mentors aspiring authors, hosts an annual conference (WriterCon), small-group seminars, a newsletter, and a bi-weekly podcast. Bernhardt has received the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award (University of Pennsylvania) and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award (Oklahoma State), which is given “in recognition of an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large.”