Silver Spring, MD — Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour of Italy, a lively, learned excursion through Italy’s greatest sights, debuts on home video on August 4, 2009. Award-winning art critic Brian Sewell combines art, adventure, and fascinating social history in his 10-part series of Rome, Florence, Venice, and more. Sewell’s impeccably dry wit, fearless commentary, and racy historical gossip enliven every stop. The DVD 4-volume (www.AcornOnline.com) is being released by Athena, Acorn Media Group’s new home video brand for consumers interested in lifelong learning through documentary programming. Bonus features include a 20-page viewer’s guide and exclusive extras that take the educational experience beyond the screen.

Three centuries ago, young British aristocrats completed their education with a Grand Tour of Europe for refinement—as well as for drinking, gambling, and sexual adventures—before assuming their place in society. Now, Brian Sewell recreates those formative trips through Italy, examining the finest works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and other Italian masters and exploring 18th-century manners and mores.

With unmatched erudition and understated wit, this distinguished British art critic lovingly examines Italy’s grandest cultural treasures. His journey takes him through Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples, Siena, and Milan, with plenty of stops along the way. More than a mere travelogue, this riveting series showcases the country’s dazzling cathedrals, palazzos, paintings, and sculptures while also giving insight into the travels and travails of tourists past.

BONUS FEATURES

• 20-page viewer’s guide includes highlights, questions to consider, avenues for further learning, "The Things They Carried," and "The End of the Road."
• Biographies of Brian Sewell and Grand Tour artists
• "Side Trips: Tour Tidbits Explained"

Brian Sewell writes for the London Evening Standard and advises museums on three continents. His numerous awards include the Hawthornden Prize for Art Criticism and the George Orwell Prize for cultural commentary. UK's Channel Five produced Grand Tour of Italy in 2005.

Athena releases provide an authoritative and entertaining learning experience through high quality, informative, non-fiction programming. `Athena’s other debut releases are Playing Shakespeare, Every Picture Tells a Story, and The People’s Republic of Capitalism. Special web content for every Athena release will be available at www.athenalearning.com. Athena’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.