A delightful, swashbuckling adventure of lust, learning, and love. Escaping the religious hysteria of Renaissance Florence, young Antonio leaves his family and fate behind to find a better life. Misfortune, betrayals, friendships, and favors toss him around the Mediterranean as he makes his way as a pirate, an itinerant actor, and a fugitive before becoming a notable merchant of Venice. Inspired by Shakespeare, author Gil Cole reimagines Antonio as someone different of his time-a man who openly desires the love of another man.
