One of The Economist's Books of the Year A provocative, entertaining account of Italy's diverse riches, its hopes and dreams, its past and present Did Garibaldi do Italy a disservice when he helped its disparate parts achieve unity? Was the goal of political unification a mistake? The question is asked and answered in a number of ways in The Pursuit of Italy, an engaging, original consideration of the many histories that contribute to the brilliance—and weakness—of Italy today. David Gilmour's wonderfully readable exploration of Italian life over the centuries is filled with provocative anecdotes as well as personal observations, and is peopled by the great figures of the Italian past—from Cicero and Virgil to the controversial politicians of the twentieth century. His wise account of the Risorgimento debunks the nationalistic myths that surround it, though he paints a sympathetic portrait of Giuseppe Verdi, a beloved hero of the era. Gilmour shows that the glory of Italy has always lain in its regions, with their distinctive art, civic cultures, identities, and cuisines. Italy's inhabitants identified themselves not as Italians but as Tuscans and Venetians, Sicilians and Lombards, Neapolitans and Genoese. Italy's strength and culture still come from its regions rather than from its misconceived, mishandled notion of a unified nation.

Through most of their history, Italians have identified more with their own locales than with what is now known as Italy. This comprehensive reference allows readers to view the land as its denizens have for centuries--regionally. Domenico superbly surveys the regional and provincial characteristics and culture of the 20 regions, including economy, cuisine, history, recent politics, and arts. This is the only single general reference volume in English on Italy's regions and will be highly in demand by teachers, students of Italian language and culture, and travelers. Italy's enormous contributions to western civilization continue to make it a cultural and economic powerhouse and a top tourist destination. The Regions of Italy succinctly conveys the formidable richness of the whole through its parts, with a user-friendly format that makes it easy to glean the important information on the area of interest. A chronology, glossary, and wide selection of photos accompany the text.

Emilia-Romagna, Friuli, Sicily, Liguria, Piedmont, Apulia -- the names trip off the tongue and conjure seductive images of deeply satisfying food. In Bugialli's Italy, companion cookbook to the new twenty-six-part public television series, cooking teacher and food historian Giuliano Bugialli presents the reader with an irresistible banquet of all Italy has to offer. The more than 150 recipes collected here span the boot from north to south east to west. You can take your grand tour from antipasto to dessert (how about Pizza with Tomato Pockets from Apulia, Pureed Chick-Pea Soup with Mushrooms from Umbria, Lamb in Peppery Wine Sauce from Abruzzi, String Beans in Caper Walnut Sauce from Lombardy, and, to finish, Peach Cake with Almonds from Piedmont?). Or why not plan a regional tasting of pastas -- Stewed Sardinian Pasta, Pasta Stuffed with Eggplant from Tuscany, Tagliatelle and Zucchini Blossoms from Lazio, and Pasta with Sicilian Winter Pesto? Even gnocchi flies the regional flag-Red Beet Gnocchi from Piedmont and Potato Gnocchi with Ligurian Pesto and Tomatoes. As always, Giuliano serves up something new -- a wonderful collection of unusual and engaging regional recipes filled with the history tradition, and techniques that make his books so special.

This is the only single general-reference volume in English on Italy's regions and will be highly in demand by teachers, students of Italian language and culture, and travelers.".

James Buzard demonstrates the ways in which the distinction between tourist and traveller has developed and how the circulation of the two terms influenced how 19th and 20th century writers on Europe viewed themselves and presented themselves in writing.

"This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys."--Publisher's description.

The book deals with the most striking landscapes and landforms of Italy. Attention is given to landform diversity and landscape evolution through time which has been controlled by very diverse geological conditions and dramatic climate changes that have characterized the Italian peninsula and islands since the end of the last glaciation. In addition, various examples of human impact on the landscape are presented. Landscapes and Landforms of Italy contains more than thirty case studies of a multitude of Italian geographical landmarks. The topics and sites described in this book range from the Alpine glaciers to the Etna and Vesuvius volcanoes, taking into account the most representative fluvial, coastal, gravity-induced, karst and structural landscapes of the country. Chapters on the geomorphological landmarks of the cities of Rome and Venice are also included. The book provides the readers with the opportunity to explore the variety of Italian landscapes and landforms through informative texts illustrated with several color maps and photos. This book will be relevant to scientists, scholars and any readers interested in geology, physical geography, geomorphology, landscape tourism, geoheritage and environmental protection.

From the most trusted name in travel, Frommer's Italy is a comprehensive, opinionated guide that was completely re-researched after the pandemic lockdowns. With helpful advice and honest recommendations from Frommer's expert authors, you'll walk among the ancient ruins of Pompeii, float along the canals of Venice, appreciate Renaissance masterworks in Florence, explore off-the-beaten-path Puglia and live la dolce vita in Rome--as well as discover timeless wonders such as the vineyards of Tuscany and cliff-top towns perched along the Amalfi Coast.Inside the guide: Full-color photos and helpful maps, including a detachable foldout map Detailed itineraries for planning your trip to suit your schedule and interests (and help you avoid lines and crowds) Compelling cultural information so that you'll better understand the history, cuisine, and traditions of Italy Candid reviews of the best restaurants, historic sights, museums, tours, shops, and experiences--and no-punches-pulled info on the ones not worth your time and money. We also include star ratings, so you can scan the text quickly and see which options are most appealing. Accurate, up-to-date info on transportation, useful websites, telephone numbers, health care options and more Budget-planning help with exact pricing listed, so there's never any guessing, along with ways to save money, whether you're traveling on a shoestring or in the lap of luxuryAbout Frommer's: There's a reason Frommer's has been the most trusted name in travel for more than 60 years. Arthur Frommer created the best-selling guide series in 1957 to help American servicemen fulfill their dreams of travel in Europe, and since then, we have published thousands of titles, become a household name, and helped millions upon millions of people realize their own dreams of seeing our planet. Travel is easy with Frommer's.

Spaghetti with meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, margherita pizzas, ricotta and parmesan cheeses—we have Italy to thank for some of our favorite comfort foods. Home to a dazzling array of wines, cheese, breads, vegetables, and salamis, Italy has become a mecca for foodies who flock to its pizzerias, gelateries, and family-style and Michelin-starred restaurants. Taking readers across the country’s regions and beyond in the first book in Reaktion’s new Foods and Nations series, Al Dente explores our obsession with Italian food and how the country’s cuisine became what it is today. Fabio Parasecoli discovers that for centuries, southern Mediterranean countries such as Italy fought against food scarcity, wars, invasions, and an unfavorable agricultural environment. Lacking in meat and dairy, Italy developed foodways that depended on grains, legumes, and vegetables until a stronger economy in the late 1950s allowed the majority of Italians to afford a more diverse diet. Parasecoli elucidates how the last half century has seen new packaging, conservation techniques, industrial mass production, and more sophisticated systems of transportation and distribution, bringing about profound changes in how the country’s population thought about food. He also reveals that much of Italy’s culinary reputation hinged on the world’s discovery of it as a healthy eating model, which has led to the prevalence of high-end Italian restaurants in major cities around the globe. Including historical recipes for delicious Italian dishes to enjoy alongside a glass of crisp Chianti, Al Dente is a fascinating survey of this country’s cuisine that sheds new light on why we should always leave the gun and take the cannoli.