This book contains a wealth of information about Vito Volterra and his life. A large part of the personal history of Volterra and his family is based on the letters sent to his mother and wife; numerous excerpts presented in the book have been translated into English. The scientific career of Volterra's is traced, starting with his university studies and early professorship at Pisa, followed by a shorter period in Turin and finally his appointment at the University of Rome. Volterra was also a passionate traveller and we learn about his impressions of people and places throughout Europe and America. Volterra's scientific achievements are discussed in a reprint of E. Whittaker's obituary from 1941. The book provides a very readable account of the Italian scientific community and Italian history and politics in the 19th and 20th century.