On February 12, 2004, halfway through the writing of the sequel to this novel, Cangrande’s body was exhumed. This was the second time the great man’s body was disinterred, the first having been in 1921 when the main intent was to find a rumored copy of Dante’s Paradiso written in the poet’s own hand. This was, alas, only myth. But this latest unearthing of the Scaliger, replete with scientists and historians from several fields of study, led to some wonderful discoveries. My favorite was the noting of Cangrande’s perfect teeth. No wonder his smile was famous – he lived to the ripe age of 38 without a single cavity. And a liver destroyed by alcoholism.
On Good Friday, 2004, I received a copy of the findings thanks to my friend Antonella Leonardo, who has facilitated every important meeting I’ve had in the city. I cannot thank her enough, both for her encouragement and for the many wonderful people she has introduced me to.
Living and dead.
