Bettino Ricàsoli had succeeded Count Cavour as the second prime minister of the newly united Italy the previous June. He made various attempts at reconciliation with Garibaldi's followers, Guiseppe Mazzini, and the Vatican, but grew tired of being undermined at court and resigned. Urbano Rattazzi took his place. Ricàsoli returned as first minister three years later. A Tuscan, he is credited with the modern recipe for the chianti wine blend. (By John Osborne)