When I saw this shop, I wanted to scream. I was in this shop and bought several things. A photo album, some beautiful marble stationary, and a new travel memory book. I only use the marble paper for very special people!!! The people were so nice. I was there, so excited to share..... Florence!!!! Loved all of Italy!
How wonderful to find artisans that are continuing a family tradition. Florence is full of so many talented artistic people. Thank you for sharing this beautiful shop.
Thank you for highlighting the picture printing! As a historian I am very concerned about this issue of losing physical pictures of our current times to cloud spaces that the future generations won’t be able to access…
If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, you could also buy beautiful leather gloves at Madova. They're also family-fun and have been making gloves since 1919.
@@rajivsurendra Sadly, it was closed today. We will go there on Monday but that neighborhood has lot of good shops. Thanks will check them out. This is why my girlfriend bring large suitcase for neighborhoods like that.
This is what we need to see on the internet. The real human connection, friendly conversations, praising each other and talk about art with a soul in it. Amazing video Rajiv!
Oh, my heart. As a librarian, this was like catnip to me. Excitement to see the many beautiful books and then great satisfaction to know these skills are preserved by a family that truly cares about the beauty of books.
Wouldn’t you just LOVE to travel to a foreign country with Rajiv as your guide?!! How absolutely splendid would that be??? This is the type of place I would want to visit, not where there are thousands of other tourists elbow to elbow. Thank you for sharing this special place with us!
one of the subtle and underappretiated aspects of Rajeevs videos involving other people is how everybody talks to each other and how nice they are to each other. it's something incredibly beautiful and a source of happiness. Here I felt like I was a silent third person in the conversation and the goodwill between the conversationalists seeped into me too.
It was such a pleasure to listen to the gracious, soft spoken lady explaining in detail the finer details of book binding. The pride in her voice made me appreciate all the more the effort the family is taking to keep this heritage craft vibrantly alive. So many generations have handled this specialized craft, maintaining the same traditions to the highest standards. To observe a whole wall lined with those ancient tools which ensure quality results for each one -of- a -kind hand bound book that comes out of this store was a wonderful experience. Thank you Rajiv.
Thank you Rajiv. That was a beautiful tour of the shop. The reason quality reigns supreme in Italy and Europe in general, is because they support local artisans and businesses unlike in US where corporate greed takes over by turning everything into crap and garbage. Partly people are responsible. We need to know the difference between quality and junk. When people start paying attention to quality and buying quality items, then slowly the junk items will appear less in stores. People in US need to learn that quality and instant gratification don't go hand in hand. Italy produces 11% of the world's olive oil production. The olive oil produced in Italy, 98%, doesn't even leave Italy and it's consumed by its own people and the remaining goes to "authentic" Italian chefs around the world. Spain is the major producer, accounting for 55%, of olive oil in the world followed by Greece accounting for 14%. So whatever "Made in Italy " oilve oil that is sold in chain stores is not even from there! In fact, Italy buys olive oil from Spain and puts a label "packed in Italy" and sold for higher price!! Knowledge is Power. People should make an effort to find out where all products come from, how they are sourced, ethical business practices etc.
Marco took me to their family house in Chianti. We sat outside while his Nonno made pasta for us and I was looking down on a grove of olive trees, which he told me they own. They press their own oil every year and split the 30 litres between family members...none of it gets sold.
@@rajivsurendraan olive oil pressing video would be amazing! My child’s paternal grandfather would “forage” olives and brine them himself in the US, but pressing oil and grinding wheat were relegated to his childhood memories - probably because he moved to the city before he was an adult.
Believe me, quality things are incredibly hard to find, and understanding what quality is is very difficult too. These items are nice as far as I can tell, But they have a €600 book on their website with machine made and glued Endbands, that's unacceptable at that price range in my view, they should be hand sewn. Also, something I've noticed to a high degree as people try to buy high quality things, is so many of these companies selling pseudo quality items, marking the price way up, and people think they're buying something special when it's actually just either crap or mediocre at a premium price.
Isn’t that the most special shop! Happily, I have a memory and momento of this very shop. I purchased a little leather book but, the book you bought is very special. Couple that book with your talent and you have a priceless treasure. The time it takes to produce one book is amazing in this day and age. I hope this family goes on for many more generations. Loved this, Rajiv.
It’s been many years since I’ve been to Florence. Beautiful city. My husband and I were in the leather trade in the 80s. We worked for a company that made Queens Elizabeth’s shoes and Princess Diana’s bags (and many other Royal ladies here and other part of the world) we were based in London. I have a bag made for Princess Diana, but at the last minute, they saw a tiny flaw in the leather. So hubby gave me the bag and made another for the Princess. ❤️ I have so much respect for the work this family do. I would love to visit them as Rajiv has. Wonderful video 💜
Thank you for sharing your fantastic finds in Florence. There's just nothing like a beautiful business that has been lovingly handed down for generations. The sketches in your Anatomy book are absolutely FABULOUS!
I suddenly got rather emotional watching this. Just so beautiful. Graciella is gorgeous and Marco is a doll. Thank you for sharing your amazing experience! 💙💚
I can see the pure joy and excitement on Rajiv’s face. And I understand it completely. Bookbinding/handmade books are exactly the type of things that excite me and on top of that I have a major obsession with paper. Doesn’t have to be patterned but I like that too. I just get super excited about good quality, plain paper. I think it’s the possibilities of what can be created on that paper. Beautiful, written words, lovely drawings or elegant handwriting. Yummo!
This brings back memories of my 'love affair' years ago with Il Papiro in Venezia. It's delightful to see you waxing rhapsodic over this amazing place. Thank you for bringing us with you.
Just when I think you can't possibly have another pursuit, a new one unfolds. How thoughtful to put your class notes in a handmade book! I have been to Italy to study art as well. I saw an artisan make that marbled paper by hand at a shop on a famous bridge in Florence. I also saw your video on how you made the same type of paper in your apartment! Your trip to Italy brought back lovely memories of similar adventures I had. Bene, bene, bene.
Hi Rajiv, I came to Florence a few days ago for a friend’s wedding. This video came out right on time! I went to the shop and bought some goodies for myself. Can’t wait to try my watercolors on the paper. I know I’ll cherish this gift to myself for years to come and think back of my time in Florence. I met Marco and his mom. They are lovely people. I mentioned that I came based on your recommendation. Thank you for sharing this gem of a place. I hope to write to you soon 🖋️ !
I would love to watch Rajiv speak with artisans around the world to learn about their areas of expertise! His passion is palpable and his approach is so thoughtful, so appreciative and so detail-oriented...I was smiling throughout the entire video. He would be like the Anthony Bourdain of worldwide specialty shops, and I would wait impatiently for a new episode every week. Take note, CNN!
Oh Rajiv,Thankyou for such an interesting video.Being a lover of books and a botanical illustrator I was so bowled over by the shop.Oooh..it would be so exciting.
I’d give this video a thousand likes if I could! There must be a gene for not only owning handmade, but for NEEDING to know how handmade is done! You’ve got it, and so do I! Thanks for sharing this beautiful corner of Italy!
Bravo Rajiv, for sharing the special artisanal shops and wonderful people within them….we must keep art supported. It’s what this life is about. Viva Firenze!
Watching this process and the associated flourishes of movement was like watching a ballet. Magical. My heart literally swelled watching the joy on Rajiv’s face during the process.
I had a great book binder in my country decades ago. When I bought a paperback and it was a classic , I took it to him. He did it in leather cover with gold letters. It was pricy but beautiful. I love the way the lady is dressed.
I love that even your notes in the book are done with perfect penmanship. This is a goal of mine, and I feel so inspired seeing this. I have noticed since watching your videos that my writing has improved tremendously, even without actively trying.
I have a trip planned to take my 11 year old grandson to Florence, and I signed us up for a workshop to make our own journals, end pages, binding etc.. It was so fun to see this in advance of our trip. Thank you!
OMG, the guy just eye balled it!!! Precise and gorgeous. Watching your videos fill my heart with so much joy and appreciation for beauty. Every moment of it, from your smile to your clothes, your hand writing and the books are the stuff my dreams are made of! Thanks so much, now I'm missing my Dad's leather bound books...childhood memories I came back to because of this video.
What exquisite beauty and craftsmanship ... in “every-day” items ... the way it should be. This is the way of life that should be celebrated. Thank you, for the work. Thank you, for this post.
Rajiv, I have the warmest glow while watching this moving video. Books have always been special to me but this is on anither level. This is yet another reason to return to Italy. I missed Firenze last time. It will be my sole trip next time. I will visit A. Cozzi on my 3rd day. Grazie Mille Rajiv.
I made handmade books for 25 years until poor health forced me to close my studio. I still have my small tools...I just can't give them up. Thank you so much for bringing back some wonderful memories.
Oh Rajiv, that is a lovely book indeed to capture and preserve all of your hard work in your anatomy art class❤ You can sense the passion of Graziela and her family for their family business. Lovely vid!
So lovely to watch maestro artisans at age old crafts. This video reminded me of the book, based on a true story, “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks. Fascinating - it starts in 15th century Spain where the famed Sarajevo Haggadah was made. Thank you for exploring these parts unknown for us. Definitely the way I travel too!
Fantastic video. Thankyou for making it. Was a joy to see the professionals gold stamping the letters and hearing about the history of their business. Such a beautiful shop with beautiful products. :)
Wow, reminds me of my grandfather. Great great grandparents immigrated to America, 1904, 120 years ago! No welfare, social services, freebies; Immigrants proud, grateful, worked hard helped each other. Grandfather did not have a formal education had to work. Learned the craft of bookbinding. Did a lovely job of it. Saw books he binded growing up. Appreciate it more seeing this video. Family loves books all sorts especially art and history. Must say the architectual structure of buildings shown are gorgeous!
I bought several items from that shop when I last visited Florence. They were intended to be given to friends and family as gifts, but as yet I haven't been able to part with a single one! 😄
Fascinating! I am a book lover, hold in your hand, smell it and feel it kind of book lover. No tablet reading for this 'ol gal. 😉 I so appreciate you sharing this with us Rajiv, and what a beautiful family and tradition you introduced us to...thank you.
RAJIV, thank you so much for this wonderful video and your book is not only exquisite and it's uniqueness but also what you expressed on its pages. I 😢 of joy because you are given to yourself the opportunity to see things and experience many of the things that many of us couldn't do it for different reasons. I only wish to be twenty again and have the guts to leave everything and go to the owners and ask them for a job, imagine working using each piece with so much history and family value and presence in the history of the town and country. Thank you. Muchas Gracias.
Dear Rajiv you always bring something new and exciting to your viewers which we never would have thought of. Your passion for learning new things excites and motivates us all. You for yet another great video.
Loved this video. Talking about the photo album, took me back to when I wrote my degree dissertation on the family photo albums and their displacement from the family over time and when they become art. Thank you for taking time to create videos sharing parts of your life and reminding us of the value of the handmade and focus on Quality over quantity 😊
Oh my gosh! Exquisite! Just beautiful! The paper, the binding, the lettering!!!!!!! I wonder if they use cursive lettering to stamp the books? Love this shop! One day...... ❤.
Rajiv OMG what a cherished video! I’m sure you’re having a blast in Italy! What a treasured craft bookbinding! I was so excited when I saw the title of this video. I make my own grateful art collage journals. I am fascinated by this beautiful talent. How wonderful to meet the family behind the business. It makes your book even more special. I love the book design that you chose. I would just love to run my hands over those antique tools. It would give me goosebumps. Thank you so very much for Sharing this video. I watch your videos while I’m slow stitching or crocheting or knitting or quilting or working on my collage journals. Wish I could visit that lovely book shop in Florence. It’s now on my bucket list. I could just imagine how lovely that book must feel. I’m just so thrilled about books. I’m in the process of making my 4th floor of my Victorian home into a “Secret Library.” My dream room besides my art studio. You would love it! Mariaknits27
Hi Rajiv, Thank you so much for sharing this rich family history of book making! I have always loved books especally old books and have a small collection of them. It was amazing to see how the family works together and has for generations so beautiful.
I love handmade books, paper, stationery.Thank you for introducing this wonderful shop to us. And, your notes in the book you purchased from them is truly remarkable! Wow.
I love seeing you in Firenze, looks like you are home. Surrounded with beauty and all things you appreciate. Florence is my favorite city in the world as well. ❤
WOW, I’m totally drooling over that lovely bookbinding shoppe! And your anatomy book is a work of art in itself, not just the book, but the illustrations and calligraphy that you’re adding to it. INCREDIBLE❣️PS- I’m going to have to visit the next time we’re in Florence. Thank you for sharing. 🙏
Florence is my favourite city to visit with its rich history and art. And what a beautiful display of craftsmanship these books are. Your anatomy notes are absolutely stunning as well. Thanks for the great video, Rajiv.
I was only in Florence for a few hours, and opted to go to the Duomo plaza to hike the tower, see the Baptista and Michelangelo’s Pieta in the Museum there. Next trip I’ll visit the streets and shops in Florence, and stop by this shop to buy a blank journal or two! I so appreciate your videos and introducing me to a more beautiful perspective of all this life and world have to offer. Thank you!
I love when the old craftsmen still make things that are beautifully made, like these book, photo books. Older books are made with the very best of products. Well worth them. Thank You for taking us there.
Nice, but nowhere near the best. Selling a €600 with machine made and glued Endbands is a bit ridiculous in my opinion, they should be hand sewn Endbands at that price.
Wow! Anatomy sketches? You never cease to amaze me! The stationery shelves are beautiful! The books are so beautiful, true works of art! I love hand made books! I really have to visit Firenze! thank you so much for showing this incredible shop. Have a great weekend.
Wonderful shop, books, and family. And your anatomy drawings are beautiful! My grandmother (born 1906), gifted me her collected works of Shakespeare that she won as a school prize in English literature (I went on to study that at university). She had it rebound, handmade, in leather with gold lettering, and it's one of my prize possessions.
Amazing Rajiv. Enjoy your travel. Glad you enjoy every moment of your life. Life is filled with wonderful things and teaching how we live and respond to situations makes us better and happier. ❤️
I am an avid lover of books! This was Wonderful! But when I saw your book, your handwriting and drawings I was blown away! I would love to have a copy of your book!🥰
What a treat Rajiv, I know I would spend hours in that book-binding store just looking/browsing/absorbing all those paper goodies, thank you for sharing this with your YT family. I hope you make a video on your purchases for this trip.
Dear Rajiv, I always start by liking your video. Then I watch it. 😄
Same lol ❤😂
Same ❤
Me too!!
Me too!
Me too
When I saw this shop, I wanted to scream. I was in this shop and bought several things. A photo album, some beautiful marble stationary, and a new travel memory book. I only use the marble paper for very special people!!! The people were so nice. I was there, so excited to share..... Florence!!!! Loved all of Italy!
You wore the blue suit! 💙
Yes I voted khaki ❤
I thought the exact same thing! 😊
Looks so good 💙
gone by times. We live in soulless technocratic times. Thank you for taking us along Rajiv.
Rajiv doesn't live in a soulless time. He is soulful..... we live in the world we surround ourselves in, as best we can 😊
How wonderful to find artisans that are continuing a family tradition. Florence is full of so many talented artistic people. Thank you for sharing this beautiful shop.
All these little treasures you bring us. We are so lucky.
truly stunning
Thank you for highlighting the picture printing! As a historian I am very concerned about this issue of losing physical pictures of our current times to cloud spaces that the future generations won’t be able to access…
Thanks Rajiv, we are currently in Florence and wanted to buy something special and your recommendation was perfect. Thanks!
Aw that's great. Glad to be of service.
If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, you could also buy beautiful leather gloves at Madova. They're also family-fun and have been making gloves since 1919.
@@rajivsurendra Sadly, it was closed today. We will go there on Monday but that neighborhood has lot of good shops. Thanks will check them out. This is why my girlfriend bring large suitcase for neighborhoods like that.
@@puck971I purchased gloves from them a few years ago! Definitely go back of you have the time.
My sister is going to Florence next week and I’m sending her all Rajiv’s Italy videos!
Man, I LOVE her dress!
Right? I have a wedding to attend soon, and that would be perfect.
Rajiv is the most interesting man in the world
So damn true
This is what we need to see on the internet. The real human connection, friendly conversations, praising each other and talk about art with a soul in it. Amazing video Rajiv!
Oh, my heart. As a librarian, this was like catnip to me. Excitement to see the many beautiful books and then great satisfaction to know these skills are preserved by a family that truly cares about the beauty of books.
I want to go to Italy just to visit this shop. How very beautiful. Thank you for making us aware of this very special place.
Did you notice her beautiful dress?!! To die for!
Wouldn’t you just LOVE to travel to a foreign country with Rajiv as your guide?!! How absolutely splendid would that be??? This is the type of place I would want to visit, not where there are thousands of other tourists elbow to elbow. Thank you for sharing this special place with us!
Yes, Rajiv when do you begin tours like some UA-camrs are doing? 🤔😅
Maybe Rajiv should offer tours that we could sign up for!
This channel feels like what channel 11 PBS was like
PBS has changed. It's joined the extreme liberal politics that is destroying the U.S. I very rarely listen the News Hour anymore.
one of the subtle and underappretiated aspects of Rajeevs videos involving other people is how everybody talks to each other and how nice they are to each other. it's something incredibly beautiful and a source of happiness. Here I felt like I was a silent third person in the conversation and the goodwill between the conversationalists seeped into me too.
Beautifully put, we were taken along and were genuinely part of the experience..
I could not take my eyes off of the tools hanging behind her, they are all works of art, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing Rajiv.
It was such a pleasure to listen to the gracious, soft spoken lady explaining in detail the finer details of book binding.
The pride in her voice made me appreciate all the more the effort the family is taking to keep this heritage craft vibrantly alive.
So many generations have handled this specialized craft, maintaining the same traditions to the highest standards.
To observe a whole wall lined with those ancient tools which ensure quality results for each one -of- a -kind hand bound book that comes out of this store was a wonderful experience.
Thank you Rajiv.
Thank you Rajiv. That was a beautiful tour of the shop. The reason quality reigns supreme in Italy and Europe in general, is because they support local artisans and businesses unlike in US where corporate greed takes over by turning everything into crap and garbage.
Partly people are responsible. We need to know the difference between quality and junk. When people start paying attention to quality and buying quality items, then slowly the junk items will appear less in stores.
People in US need to learn that quality and instant gratification don't go hand in hand.
Italy produces 11% of the world's olive oil production. The olive oil produced in Italy, 98%, doesn't even leave Italy and it's consumed by its own people and the remaining goes to "authentic" Italian chefs around the world.
Spain is the major producer, accounting for 55%, of olive oil in the world followed by Greece accounting for 14%.
So whatever "Made in Italy " oilve oil that is sold in chain stores is not even from there!
In fact, Italy buys olive oil from Spain and puts a label "packed in Italy" and sold for higher price!!
Knowledge is Power. People should make an effort to find out where all products come from, how they are sourced, ethical business practices etc.
Marco took me to their family house in Chianti. We sat outside while his Nonno made pasta for us and I was looking down on a grove of olive trees, which he told me they own. They press their own oil every year and split the 30 litres between family members...none of it gets sold.
@@rajivsurendraan olive oil pressing video would be amazing! My child’s paternal grandfather would “forage” olives and brine them himself in the US, but pressing oil and grinding wheat were relegated to his childhood memories - probably because he moved to the city before he was an adult.
@@rajivsurendra nice!
Believe me, quality things are incredibly hard to find, and understanding what quality is is very difficult too. These items are nice as far as I can tell,
But they have a €600 book on their website with machine made and glued Endbands, that's unacceptable at that price range in my view, they should be hand sewn.
Also, something I've noticed to a high degree as people try to buy high quality things, is so many of these companies selling pseudo quality items, marking the price way up, and people think they're buying something special when it's actually just either crap or mediocre at a premium price.
Isn’t that the most special shop! Happily, I have a memory and momento of this very shop. I purchased a little leather book but, the book you bought is very special. Couple that book with your talent and you have a priceless treasure. The time it takes to produce one book is amazing in this day and age. I hope this family goes on for many more generations. Loved this, Rajiv.
It’s been many years since I’ve been to Florence. Beautiful city. My husband and I were in the leather trade in the 80s. We worked for a company that made Queens Elizabeth’s shoes and Princess Diana’s bags (and many other Royal ladies here and other part of the world) we were based in London. I have a bag made for Princess Diana, but at the last minute, they saw a tiny flaw in the leather. So hubby gave me the bag and made another for the Princess. ❤️ I have so much respect for the work this family do. I would love to visit them as Rajiv has. Wonderful video 💜
Thanks for taking me on a virtual vacation! Love it!
Lucky you! I walked by this shop last year when I was in Florence. It’s amazing. The paper and books are beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your fantastic finds in Florence. There's just nothing like a beautiful business that has been lovingly handed down for generations. The sketches in your Anatomy book are absolutely FABULOUS!
I suddenly got rather emotional watching this. Just so beautiful. Graciella is gorgeous and Marco is a doll. Thank you for sharing your amazing experience! 💙💚
I can see the pure joy and excitement on Rajiv’s face. And I understand it completely. Bookbinding/handmade books are exactly the type of things that excite me and on top of that I have a major obsession with paper. Doesn’t have to be patterned but I like that too. I just get super excited about good quality, plain paper. I think it’s the possibilities of what can be created on that paper. Beautiful, written words, lovely drawings or elegant handwriting. Yummo!
This brings back memories of my 'love affair' years ago with Il Papiro in Venezia. It's delightful to see you waxing rhapsodic over this amazing place. Thank you for bringing us with you.
Just when I think you can't possibly have another pursuit, a new one unfolds. How thoughtful to put your class notes in a handmade book!
I have been to Italy to study art as well. I saw an artisan make that marbled paper by hand at a shop on a famous bridge in Florence. I also saw your video on how you made the same type of paper in your apartment!
Your trip to Italy brought back lovely memories of similar adventures I had. Bene, bene, bene.
My grandfather was an amazing artist of bookbinding in Chicago at the beginning of the 20 century!
I am so touched watching videos like this!
📖❤☺
Hi Rajiv,
I came to Florence a few days ago for a friend’s wedding. This video came out right on time! I went to the shop and bought some goodies for myself. Can’t wait to try my watercolors on the paper. I know I’ll cherish this gift to myself for years to come and think back of my time in Florence. I met Marco and his mom. They are lovely people. I mentioned that I came based on your recommendation. Thank you for sharing this gem of a place. I hope to write to you soon 🖋️ !
I would love to watch Rajiv speak with artisans around the world to learn about their areas of expertise! His passion is palpable and his approach is so thoughtful, so appreciative and so detail-oriented...I was smiling throughout the entire video. He would be like the Anthony Bourdain of worldwide specialty shops, and I would wait impatiently for a new episode every week. Take note, CNN!
Oh my god! These italians with their heavenly Food and craft! I wish to be there. Beautiful beautiful! ❤❤❤
Oh Rajiv,Thankyou for such an interesting video.Being a lover of books and a botanical illustrator I was so bowled over by the shop.Oooh..it would be so exciting.
We are gonna have to see those botanicals!
Don’t know why but this made me emotional❤❤❤
Me too. 🥲
I’d give this video a thousand likes if I could! There must be a gene for not only owning handmade, but for NEEDING to know how handmade is done! You’ve got it, and so do I! Thanks for sharing this beautiful corner of Italy!
Bravo Rajiv, for sharing the special artisanal shops and wonderful people within them….we must keep art supported. It’s what this life is about. Viva Firenze!
I have two journals from there and watched the bookbinder for 20 minutes or so ~ absolutely stunning and this video takes me back to the fall of 2019!
Dearest Rajiv, please take us on a journey through your anatomy book. It looks sublime.
🤗 Rajiv living his best life. And, sharing with us the pearls that he discovers along the way. 🥰
I’m so grateful for the windows into the arts that you give us. You are doing good works.
Watching this process and the associated flourishes of movement was like watching a ballet. Magical. My heart literally swelled watching the joy on Rajiv’s face during the process.
This is so exciting. How beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I had a great book binder in my country decades ago. When I bought a paperback and it was a classic , I took it to him. He did it in leather cover with gold letters. It was pricy but beautiful.
I love the way the lady is dressed.
Thanks for this fantastic, meaningful video. Kudos to your excellent video recording person also!
You honored the book the very best way! Bravo! ❤
I’ll go when I visit next month! :)
Yay! Please tell them how you discovered them, it will make them happy.
I love that even your notes in the book are done with perfect penmanship. This is a goal of mine, and I feel so inspired seeing this. I have noticed since watching your videos that my writing has improved tremendously, even without actively trying.
Marco did my lettering too!! Waking up to this video has been just the best!
I have a trip planned to take my 11 year old grandson to Florence, and I signed us up for a workshop to make our own journals, end pages, binding etc.. It was so fun to see this in advance of our trip. Thank you!
That was emotional...beautiful people working with passion and so gracious
OMG, the guy just eye balled it!!! Precise and gorgeous. Watching your videos fill my heart with so much joy and appreciation for beauty. Every moment of it, from your smile to your clothes, your hand writing and the books are the stuff my dreams are made of! Thanks so much, now I'm missing my Dad's leather bound books...childhood memories I came back to because of this video.
What exquisite beauty and craftsmanship ... in “every-day” items ... the way it should be. This is the way of life that should be celebrated. Thank you, for the work. Thank you, for this post.
Rajiv, I have the warmest glow while watching this moving video. Books have always been special to me but this is on anither level. This is yet another reason to return to Italy. I missed Firenze last time. It will be my sole trip next time. I will visit A. Cozzi on my 3rd day.
Grazie Mille Rajiv.
What a beautiful adventure. Thank you for taking us on a virtual tour!.
Rajiv, you are TRULY in book heaven there in Florence! What an absolute delight for you!
I made handmade books for 25 years until poor health forced me to close my studio. I still have my small tools...I just can't give them up. Thank you so much for bringing back some wonderful memories.
Oh Rajiv, that is a lovely book indeed to capture and preserve all of your hard work in your anatomy art class❤ You can sense the passion of Graziela and her family for their family business. Lovely vid!
When Marco was preparing to stamp the gold on the books I was just holding my breath. Beautiful thank you for showing us this
Wonderful family, wonderful book and wonderful video!! Thanks Rajiv!
Rajiv, you always make me think of Dostoevsky's "Beauty will save the world." You are always drawing us toward beauty.
These books are absolutely stunning! I was grinning from ear to ear, too! Thank you for sharing these works of art with us!
So lovely to watch maestro artisans at age old crafts. This video reminded me of the book, based on a true story, “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks. Fascinating - it starts in 15th century Spain where the famed Sarajevo Haggadah was made. Thank you for exploring these parts unknown for us. Definitely the way I travel too!
I feel like I was there! I make watercolor sketchbooks for myself and love them so much! Thank you for sharing your journeys!
Fantastic video. Thankyou for making it. Was a joy to see the professionals gold stamping the letters and hearing about the history of their business. Such a beautiful shop with beautiful products. :)
I'm supposed to be doing something else but need to set everything aside to watch. Thank you Rajiv
Wow, reminds me of my grandfather. Great great grandparents immigrated to America, 1904, 120 years ago! No welfare, social services, freebies; Immigrants proud, grateful, worked hard helped each other. Grandfather did not have a formal education had to work. Learned the craft of bookbinding. Did a lovely job of it. Saw books he binded growing up. Appreciate it more seeing this video. Family loves books all sorts especially art and history. Must say the architectual structure of buildings shown are gorgeous!
I bought several items from that shop when I last visited Florence. They were intended to be given to friends and family as gifts, but as yet I haven't been able to part with a single one! 😄
What a joy to watch this. I know the shop and have bought journals there on a couple of occasions. This splendid craft must continue.
Fascinating. Thank you for the visit with this beautiful family. The little books would be an awesome gift for friends and family ❤
Fascinating! I am a book lover, hold in your hand, smell it and feel it kind of book lover. No tablet reading for this 'ol gal. 😉 I so appreciate you sharing this with us Rajiv, and what a beautiful family and tradition you introduced us to...thank you.
RAJIV, thank you so much for this wonderful video and your book is not only exquisite and it's uniqueness but also what you expressed on its pages. I 😢 of joy because you are given to yourself the opportunity to see things and experience many of the things that many of us couldn't do it for different reasons. I only wish to be twenty again and have the guts to leave everything and go to the owners and ask them for a job, imagine working using each piece with so much history and family value and presence in the history of the town and country. Thank you. Muchas Gracias.
Dear Rajiv you always bring something new and exciting to your viewers which we never would have thought of. Your passion for learning new things excites and motivates us all. You for yet another great video.
Rajiv, each of your episodes enriches my life. I added bookbinding as a hobby a few years ago. I love the craft. Thank you for this episode.
Loved this video. Talking about the photo album, took me back to when I wrote my degree dissertation on the family photo albums and their displacement from the family over time and when they become art. Thank you for taking time to create videos sharing parts of your life and reminding us of the value of the handmade and focus on
Quality over quantity 😊
Oh my gosh! Exquisite! Just beautiful! The paper, the binding, the lettering!!!!!!! I wonder if they use cursive lettering to stamp the books? Love this shop! One day......
❤.
Rajiv OMG what a cherished video! I’m sure you’re having a blast in Italy! What a treasured craft bookbinding! I was so excited when I saw the title of this video. I make my own grateful art collage journals. I am fascinated by this beautiful talent. How wonderful to meet the family behind the business. It makes your book even more special. I love the book design that you chose. I would just love to run my hands over those antique tools. It would give me goosebumps. Thank you so very much for Sharing this video. I watch your videos while I’m slow stitching or crocheting or knitting or quilting or working on my collage journals. Wish I could visit that lovely book shop in Florence. It’s now on my bucket list. I could just imagine how lovely that book must feel. I’m just so thrilled about books. I’m in the process of making my 4th floor of my Victorian home into a “Secret Library.” My dream room besides my art studio. You would love it! Mariaknits27
Oh my... the book and drawings inside are lovely.. I would definitely buy it.
Hi Rajiv, Thank you so much for sharing this rich family history of book making! I have always loved books especally old books and have a small collection of them. It was amazing to see how the family works together and has for generations so beautiful.
I love handmade books, paper, stationery.Thank you for introducing this wonderful shop to us. And, your notes in the book you purchased from them is truly remarkable! Wow.
Beautiful People, Beautiful Artistry, Beautiful Shop! Also Lovely views of Florence! Thank you for sharing!
So glad to find this. I treasure the albums I purchased there in 1992!
Thank you Thank you Rajiv. So enjoy all your work. Don’t ever stop. You will be sorely missed.
Thank you so very much for showcasing this wonderful family run book store. A national treasure, so beautiful !!!!!!
It is thrilling that such craftsmanship still exists in this world. Wonderful! Thank you for the video!
I love seeing you in Firenze, looks like you are home. Surrounded with beauty and all things you appreciate. Florence is my favorite city in the world as well. ❤
WOW, I’m totally drooling over that lovely bookbinding shoppe! And your anatomy book is a work of art in itself, not just the book, but the illustrations and calligraphy that you’re adding to it. INCREDIBLE❣️PS- I’m going to have to visit the next time we’re in Florence. Thank you for sharing. 🙏
Florence is my favourite city to visit with its rich history and art. And what a beautiful display of craftsmanship these books are. Your anatomy notes are absolutely stunning as well. Thanks for the great video, Rajiv.
I just loved seeing this video! Marvelous!!! What an art being shared through the years!❤
I was only in Florence for a few hours, and opted to go to the Duomo plaza to hike the tower, see the Baptista and Michelangelo’s Pieta in the Museum there. Next trip I’ll visit the streets and shops in Florence, and stop by this shop to buy a blank journal or two! I so appreciate your videos and introducing me to a more beautiful perspective of all this life and world have to offer. Thank you!
I love when the old craftsmen still make things that are beautifully made, like these book, photo books. Older books are made with the very best of products. Well worth them. Thank You for taking us there.
Nice, but nowhere near the best. Selling a €600 with machine made and glued Endbands is a bit ridiculous in my opinion, they should be hand sewn Endbands at that price.
What an absolute pleasure and joy to watch this - thank you. Best wishes to the immensely gifted family members.
Wow! Anatomy sketches? You never cease to amaze me! The stationery shelves are beautiful! The books are so beautiful, true works of art! I love hand made books! I really have to visit Firenze! thank you so much for showing this incredible shop. Have a great weekend.
Wonderful shop, books, and family. And your anatomy drawings are beautiful! My grandmother (born 1906), gifted me her collected works of Shakespeare that she won as a school prize in English literature (I went on to study that at university). She had it rebound, handmade, in leather with gold lettering, and it's one of my prize possessions.
Amazing Rajiv. Enjoy your travel. Glad you enjoy every moment of your life. Life is filled with wonderful things and teaching how we live and respond to situations makes us better and happier. ❤️
LOVE LOVE LOVE .......thank you so much---grazie. 🎈🎈
I am an avid lover of books! This was Wonderful! But when I saw your book, your handwriting and drawings I was blown away! I would love to have a copy of your book!🥰
Fascinating !!! Thank you for this post .
What a treat Rajiv, I know I would spend hours in that book-binding store just looking/browsing/absorbing all those paper goodies, thank you for sharing this with your YT family. I hope you make a video on your purchases for this trip.
That was so special. I wish I had known about this shop when I went to Florence 10 years ago.