May/June 2002 Editor's Note A Conversation with David McCullough "Every Book Is a New Journey" The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian talks with Chairman Bruce Cole about the delights of discovering history. La Bella Citta Tales of Beggars and Nuns Boccaccio's stories of medieval life are reborn on the web. By Caroline Kim Postmark: Renaissance A trove of letters reveals the wit and intrigue of the Medici courts. By Edward Goldberg Magnificenza--Michelangelo's Florence A captive and an owner give firsthand accounts of the transatlantic voyage. By Susan Q. Graceson The National Humanities Medal Making a Difference The White House recognizes José Cisneros, Robert Coles, Sharon Darling, William Manchester, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Richard Peck, Eileen Jackson Southern, and Tom Wolfe.