Livio Orazio Valentini

"This much anticipated book, teeming with magnificent color illustrations, pays tribute to one of Italy's prominent modern artists, who transformed wartime suffering into an affirmation of the human spirit. A biography of both an individual and a nation, Alexander and Elliott's work celebrates the bonds of friendship that unite two cultural centers, Orvieto in central Italy and Aiken, South Carolina."—Robert Neuman, Florida State University

"This is a marvelous book about a man, an artist: Livio Orazio Valentini of Orvieto, Italy. It tells of his journey through life, including his time as a prisoner of war during WWII, his own spiritual growth and how his paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints are a reflection of this legacy. As well, it is the story of his special relationship with the community of Aiken, SC and of Livio's appreciation of Luca Signorelli and his fresco cycle in the Orvieto Cathedral, which he adapted into his own works and writings. Written in an approachable, intimate style, this book makes an important contribution to art history and culture by bringing Livio to the world. It is a compelling work of which the authors should be proud."—Katherine McIver, professor emerita of art history

"This splendidly illustrated study mines primary sources and numerous interviews tracing the trajectory of Valentini's odyssey from the cruelty of Buchenwald to the gentility of Aiken, South Carolina. An important contribution to contemporary studies, this book presents not only the artist's biography and legacy but also a triumph of the human spirit."—Debra Murphy, University of North Florida

"Alexander and Elliott have achieved an informative, vividly illustrated biography and art historical study of post-modern painter Livio Orazio Valentini. A beloved artist, whose talent, honesty, and wit are palpable, Valentini's exceptional and heartfelt impact on the University of South Carolina Aiken conveys the significant benefit of comingling European and American visual arts culture."—Deborah C. Pollack, author and art historian, Palm Beach, Florida