Tunes From a Tuscan Guitar

Tunes from a Tuscan Guitar: The Life and Times of an Italian Immigrant

by Roland R. Bianchi

In 1906 Ottorino Bianchi emigrated to the United States from the small town of Bientina in Italy's Tuscany region. The hardy farmer arrived in San Francisco, CA, just in time from the momentous 1906 earthquake. He helped rebuild the city, particularly the Italian enclave in North Beach, became a commercial crab fisherman, and watched Fisherman's Wharf evolve into a thriving commercial center.

Ottorino was also a passable guitarist, and through music he recounted the legacy of his Italian culture to his children and grandchildren -- including the author of this book.

Roland Bianchi's biography of his revered "Nonno" is an affectionate portrait of a man who loved life, cherished his family, and enriched the lives of many friends.