Hi Elizabeth,

Elizabeth Vicary wrote:
I mean the stuff that starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6

This is C55, Two Knights Defense.

4. d3

This is a positional move. d4, O-O, Ng5, and Qe2 all lead to tactical
melees, which are often recommended for low or intermediate players.

Peter Tamburro has a popular 45-minute lecture you can get via eDonkey.
It's from Black's perspective, but he covers many lines.

4. ... Bc5

This transposes to the Giuoco Pianissimo, aka Modern Italian Game.
There are several ways to reach this line.

http://www.exeterchessclub.org.uk/Op.../bishopop.html

A couple books that cover this position a

The Giuoco Piano by Gufeld/Stetsko
Winning the Bishop's Opening by Gary Lane

I haven't read either. Good luck. :-)

Thanks
Elizabeth