Laurenzo and Jiacomo are identical twins, as alike as two drops of water. No one can tell them apart (which comes in very handy for playing tricks on their teachers). And no one can split them up. But when tragedy strikes their carefree young lives, they must make their own way in the world. As each brother chooses his own path - hardworking Laurenzo to make beautiful objects from gold and silver, and fearless Jiacomo to travel, explore and become an unlikely thief - it is the start of a series of incredible escapades that will test them to their limits. Along the way they will face terrible danger, solve cunning riddles, become prisoners in a castle, sail across the ocean, fall in and out of love, stay at an enchanted inn, help save a priceless pearl, even become kings by mistake. They must use all their talents, wiles and wisdom to survive. Are you ready to join them?

"What makes The Goldsmith and the Master Thief a joy is its lively spirit; what makes it refreshing is the clarity of its moral sensibility... There's nothing sticky or moralistic here, just great storytelling that happens also to be principled. This is a terrific family read-aloud, ideal for a mix of ages between 4 and 12" - Wall Street Journal

"Older readers will be swept up by the sometimes dizzyingly Shakespearean twists and complexity; younger audiences would be best pleased hearing these misadventures read aloud" - Booklist

"Captivating and beautifully written" - Angels and Urchins