Italy Books

Enjoyed this lovely period escapist light romance. Recommend you read it on your vacation or when you desperately need a restorative vacation but can only get away in imagination.
This story about a spring escape from rainy dreary London to a remote Italian villa even smells beautiful, the descriptions are so evocative.
Having seen the movie several years ago, I found the book almost identical, only one small twist in the "plot". I still can't say which twist I'd choose.
(They really need to get the movie onto DVD for release in the U.S.)

This is one of my favorite books. It is a book about growth and change and the courage to recognize and face one's own defects. All of this is buried into a very warming story filled with beauty and discovery. It shows how stepping back and viewing a relationship from a different aspect can help to awaken an appreciation of it. It is a good read for a lazy day devoted to self.

This is a lovely story. However, this particular edition has several editing issues. There are multiple printing errors that distract from the reading. I thought by buying from an English publisher, it would be closer to the original text. But the errors are distracting. I recommend the story, but go with an established edition.

The Enchanted April. I love this book. About ladies way ahead of their time - before women's lib had come on the scene. Takes place in a rented villa in Italy for one idyllic month in April - ladies vacationing without their husbands and finding themselves.

Having loved both filmed versions of this story, I came to the book not anticipating any surprises, and in that respect I was correct. What I did get, however, was a more fully-formed understanding of each of the four women who come to San Salvatore. Each has her own quest, and each is surprised in the way that her quest is resolved.

Elizabeth von Arnim can harness language in ways that few other authors are able. She is, for instance, able to display what a walking joke Mr. Wilkins is, while letting him think that he's the very model of an educated man.

I started off loathing both Mrs. Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester in a way that wasn't true when watching the films. This made their transformations that much more satisfying, in the end.

I'm now interested in reading other books from Elizabeth von Arnim and, even more importantly, visiting the castello where the story is based. She wrote The Enchanted April after her own visit, and it has continued to "enchant" travelers in the many years since the publication of her novel. I can't wait to see the "tub of love" and be surrounded by wistaria myself.

The Golden Milestone uncovers the most amazing facts about Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. It is a very unique book that covers just about every subject. Great stuff and fun to read. We also used the book's "Italy Travel Guide" that is included as a supplement for our trip to Italy this year. Read this book and pass it on. It is refreshing to read the positive things instead of stereo-types that the media usually servers up about Italian-Americans. Thank you Mr. Esposito for writing this book.

This thoroughly researched, masterfully written, and fascinating book is truly an encyclopedia of accomplishments from Roman times right up to the 21st century. The book lists countless fascinating facts from Roman, Renaissance, modern Italy, and Italian Americans. It also lists 19 Nobel Prize winners. A great review of somewhat forgotten information about Italian heritage, that is assembled and at your finger tips for reference. A refreshing change from the negative stereotypes offered by shows like "The Sopranos."
Read this book and give it as a gift.

This book is a great review of significant Italian and Italian-American accomplishments since the beginning of time! It is full of information that you may already know in the back of your mind, but the book clarifies it and recognizes the individuals instrumental in the contribution. The author inserts a little of his own humorous antidotes along the way. All in all it is a very interesting book. It would be good for students of any age to learn an overall view of the subject matter. Any reader should be both amazed and entertained!

There is no way to describe the amount of in-depth research on so many interesting subjects in this book. Well written, researched and organized. I got it as a birthday gift and couldn't put it down. It's mind-boggling how anyone could have done so much in-depth research. Amazing stuff that wont disappoint any reader interested in the origins of inventions, artifacts, conventions, foods and traditions, as well as biographies of many famous entertainers and sports personalities. For me, the book's chapters on architecture and American government alone make the book worth the price. Read it and share it. Something for everyone in your family to explore and discover.

Book Description (from Amazon's Editorial Reviews section)
This highly acclaimed and uniquely comprehensive book offers readers over 2500 years of Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. The book's 22 chapters cover every subject: art, architecture, music, fashion, science, law, culinary arts, economics, medicine, automobiles, the entertainment industry, sports, and much more. The author's ability to blend facts, with some humor and personal anecdotes makes this book a joy to read. The book covers the wonders of ancient Rome, Renaissance Italy, as well as modern contributions and Nobel Prize winners. The book is illustrated and contains an astonishing collection of inventions and accomplishments. For example, Italians invented the piano, violin, opera, ballet, battery, telescope, radio, and telephone in NYC years before Alexander Bell. Discover how Enrico Fermi ushered in the atomic age, and how Italian sculptors carved the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C. Explore the chapter on Literature to uncover the origins of many famous fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.). In the chapter on American Government, the author quotes John F. Kennedy who wrote in his book, "A Nation of Immigrants" that the great American principle, "all men are created equal," originated with an Italian physician, Philip Maezzi, who was a personal friend and neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. Also, learn about many other distinguished personalities: NYC Mayors, the former Chairman & CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, the President of the European Union, and the Director of the European Space Agency. The Golden Milestone has thousands of notable entries and fascinating facts. Critics agree. It is a must for anyone's library.

This book also includes a unique `Italy Travel Guide' supplement that combines history and attractions for over twenty cities and locations in Italy. A great virtual tour!

Superbly researched, detailed, and precise. In 22 chapters the author proves his points. He sometimes got overly preachy, but with all the negative stereotyping of Italian-Americans by many in Hollywood and the media I can sympathize. It is one of the most organized books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. From the Roman Republic to the present, Italian contributions to Civilization are described. It also contains a unique travel supplement and some funny personal stories. Anyone who is a history buff should read it, every possible field is covered.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It makes you think a lot even after you've finished it. There are many lessons to be learned from this book. For example: choosing between your ideals and the loved ones (when of course they are in conflict), God vs atheism, love and hate (how one can possess both of them towards the same person), ideals and the will and determination to fight for them.

Read this book for the first time in Russian when I was 12 and it had been my favorite book ever since. Was able to read it in the original language just some years later, realizing that:
1. The Russian translation is wonderful:)
2. The book is still my favorite one.

It's amazing how Voynish manages to write a book which countains a love story, yet not boring nor sexual, a fight story, yet not overpatriotic/stupid. The continuation book feets perfectly ("An Interrupited Friendship" and may be should be read between the 1st and the 2nd parts of "The Gadfly" (I read the "Interrupted Friendship" some years after "The Gadfly" and it was still perfect).


BTW, Ethel Lilian is a daughter of mr. Bool - for those of us who know what boolean algebra is - that's her father's doing! I know it's a piece of useless information:)

It's rather a mystery to me that this book has never gained the kind of popularity in the US that it's always had in Russia. And yes, one can put it down to its political background and revolutionary theme, especially in what is a "lesser" known milieu of Italy in the 1840's, but really this is entirely the outer shell that could easily have been set elsewhere more "popular." I think the problem after all is that this book has been judged by its cover, as it were. But setting aside, it is the most profoundly human and tragic book you may ever read. Much was said of the themes of the book in the other reviews, and it is all true, so I will only say that the ending of the book caught me riding home on the subway, and I wept like I have never ever wept in my life. People stared at me as if I were insane, but of course I didn't care - I was being affected by something most people would never imagine feeling for anything, and certainly for no "thing" like a book. I wept for two hours afterward. And then I couldn't touch another written word for months. If ever words produced raw, overwhelming feelings, surely it is between the pages of The Gadfly.

One of the greatest stories ever told - this book can change your life if you take its ideals to heart. It's not hard to understand why it was so popular among those in the revolutionary movement. I have to say though that when I lent it to two young friends who are Catholic too, they did not seem to be as profoundly moved as I was. The closing scene between the Cardinal and the Gadfly is one of the most heart-wrenching ever written. This book is a classic of its time and of all time. In my top 10 list of the best books I have ever read. Grab it - BTW if anyone is looking for a copy I do have one to spare which is in fairly good condition.

This work is pure treasure and a great place for someone who wishes to begin reading fine literature to start. I cannot believe that I never heard of this book until I was 50! It ended up on my large "reading list" and I had to order it online to find a copy -- then (I kick myself) it laid around here for a year before I opened it. When I finally did, I discovered that I could not put this one down -- a quintessential page-turner. It's a very personal saga of a very good man, and, a Priest who betrays him during an Italian rebel uprising period. I savored "War and Peace" and "The Brothers Karamazov", and while "The Gadfly" is that sort of book (much shorter), it's not such a tough go as the former titles. Voynich was brilliant. I read an average of three books a week, and have done so for many years, and this one is one of my top 3 reads ever. Don't miss this one and if you wish to double your pleasure, get a copy of Dmitri Shostakovich's sountrack to "The Gadfly" movie and allow it to play as wallpaper as you read. Incredible stuff!

I just love reading this book to my children. They enjoyed it more than I did. This is definitely tagged a classic in my book and I won't be getting rid of it like I do other books that kids grow out of.

This retelling of an ancient moral story along with the superb pictures make it a necessary addition to the select library used by grandparents and parents for reading aloud, over and over again, to the young ones.

This book is a great read for all ages. A strong life lesson and a touching story that will reach out to those who are interested in a book that teaches something about life.

I love this book. Five in a Row has a great unit study on it. My children (3 yrs and 6 yrs) love it too. It has juggling to appeal to children and it has a beautiful ending. I have bought it for gifts as well as having my own copy.

I remember this tale from my childhood when it was read to me by a nun. Tomie De Paola has beautifully illustrated this story and retold it by placing the events in medieval Italy. Since this is one of my favorites, I have purchased several copies for my grandchildren, and a gift to other grandparents who like reading to the little ones. Be prepared to feel the emotion of this story, it gets me all the time.

I'm an older guy who reads mostly nonfiction--history, biographies and current events books. I haven't read much literature since my college days 40 years ago. I've been trying to broaden my perspective and found this book on Amazon and was surprised by the unanimous 5-star rating. Trust me, this is a beautiful story and the ending will tear your heart out.

I'm an older guy who reads mostly nonfiction--history, biographies and current events books. I haven't read much literature since my college days 40 years ago. I've been trying to broaden my perspective and found this book on Amazon and was surprised by the unanimous 5-star ratings. Trust me, this is a beautiful story and the ending will tear your heart out.

Beautifully written...deeply moving...eloquent descritptions...one can sense how devastating war can be for the general population.

I cannot understand why this book is not mentioned more often as one of the great books of the Twentieth Century.It is a stunning read full of images and ideas that remain in the mind long after the last page is read.It is haunting and also most illuminating.Morante succeeds magnificently in detailing the effects of war and (perhaps more importantly)the aftermath of war on the ordinary people of Rome.In her hands these people become extraordinary.I can recall reading passages in other books that have moved me similarly but never one that moved one so consistently and continuously as the story builds to its climax.At present I feel to read any other work of fiction would only detract from the experience I have had.

When I ordered this book I really didn't want a war book but after reading a few reviews, couldn't resist this. I'm not a scholar, not even much of a history buff but enjoy a good history novel and am always looking for something new and different to read. Elsa Morante walks you through the life and times of an Italian woman in Rome during WWII. While that's not new, the quality and insight of this book makes it stand alone. No battle scenes, no war strategy or technology, just an amazingly written book that at times has an incredible cadence that keeps you going. Really a pleasure to read. The cast of characters are so well developed you'll know them all and will watch as they have very different and reasonable/understandable reactions (each according to their own) to extraordinary circumstances. I'll always remember this as one of a few special reads and would like to give it a review it deserves but... I don't think this does it and guess you'll just have to read it!

This is a huge collection of some really fun stories. Most stories are a few pages long and this book is filled with many great stories. I recommend this to anyone that loves folktales and fairy tales.

I bought this for my grand daughter who is half Italian. She enjoys having stories read to her and this is a good book to aquaint her with her Italian heritage.

This was a childhood favorite, and it remains today.
As my family's old copy fell apart, I bought this new one to keep it for the generations and children to come.
I love the virtue and morals behind each story.
It's a beautiful book.

I have an older edition of this book. I quite enjoyed reading it. Of course, I more or less collect compilation of folktales and fairy tales.

Italo Calvino is mostly known for being a brilliant magical realist. But he also collected two hundred Italian folk and fairy tales in "Italian Folktales," apparently because a publisher wanted a sort of Italian Grimm. The resulting collection is actually better than your average fairy tales -- full of the cute, bizarre and funny.

Basically, we have the usual collections of folk-tale oddities -- princesses and princes, talking animals, murderers, dragons, colourful peasants, ghosts, magical rings, bookworms, ogres, merchants, lots of money, wise professors, hunchbacks, people magically turned into dogs, and even an Italian version of Beauty and the Beast.

But there are also plenty of folktales in here that are outright weird: a kid with a goose that causes hands to stick to the holder, a young groom whose night in paradise has tragic consequences, a maid imprisoned in the sea, a girl transformed into a statue, the Queen of Luminous Souls, and a talking buffalo head. Even Jesus Christ and Saint Peter get to star in a longish story.

Fairy tales are always meant for kids, but folktales can be aimed at adults. And there's pretty much half-and-half in "Italian Folktales" -- Calvino includes some stories which are cute and have morals ("Don't be greedy, or a wolf will eat you"), but there are plenty that are weird, bizarre and grotesque (three dead men bowling with skulls).

Calvino can't include too much description, since most of these stories are straight-out fables. But he retells these stories with enchanting flair, funny dialogue and his knack for mixing the magical with the real. And the translator George Martin should get props for preserving the sparkling, spicy flavour of the original stories ("Cro! Cro! We come from brine/On gold and pearls we dine/Belsole's fair, as fair as day...")

These stories aren't the Brothers Grimm -- they're better. Calvino collected stories that were magical, horrifying and extremely funny, and "Italian Folktales" is a delightful, extremely fat book of folk stories.

This is a very detailed and useful reference for understanding more about the Italian wines and the region. I appreciate the link to the historical aspects and food pairing. Great find if you're looking to learn more about Italy and it's wines.

I liked this book a lot. The format was perfect for my taste. Every region had its own chapter, written in a very addictive and enjoyable way. Authors did not try to talk about all the producers, giving readers the option to dig deeper into any particular region by themselves, which I find enjoyable. I liked a lot guided tastings. Now I know what to look for in similar books for different countries or continent (for example a book recently purchased on South America was a disappointment). I can now understand why other reviewers said even Italians from Italy would love this book. I think this is the 2005 edition (equal to the 2002 edition, just different cover) and some wines in the tasting areas changed names or stopped doing the particular bottle. I am in the middle of discovering the new ones for the regions I am starting with. In case anybody knows about a site where the tastings are updated or would like to exchange corrections please contact me.

Clear and concise, this guide clarifies a complex subject - the history and present state of Italian wines. While it is objective in its recommendations, anecdotes of regional Italian life add the human interest elements that make us care about Italy and its wines.

I had the hard-cover version of this book and insisted so many friends and colleagues read it I managed to lose it and had to buy another copy! Great descriptions, recipes and candid details about Italian wines-- especially wines that one can actually have a chance to purchase without a plane ticket to Italy.

The writers situate fascinating personal and societal anecdotes within the context of Italian history and culture, broadening the story of wine beyond the science of viticulture. The authors obviously have a deep grasp and appreciation of Italian wines, and convey their knowledge eloquently, yet without a hint of pretentiousness. A very enjoyable read.

Reading this book brings back alot of memories of growing up in an Italian family from NYC. We are from Staten Island but wherever us Italians go we bring our unique and loved culture-especially food. And this book not only has Authentic recipes but Authentic stories about growing up in the very tight-knit italian community. This book is a must read/buy for all Italian Americans, especially the youth who are being driven away, daily, by the disgusting MTV generation. Wheather you are an experienced cook or not, Italian or Sicilian just buy this book and smile all the way through, and then at the end wish for more. And then you will, if your lucky enough, start to recall your own Italian-American experience. By the way this is not your typical "MERIGAN" Italian cookbook It is the real deal!

I grew up in this neighborhood during the time he speaks about, and it was exactly as he describes it. The S.A.C.'s, the gangs, the feasts, the recipes, the stores on Knickerbocker Avenue, the way our family members spoke - I still talk Brooklynese! It's a great book. Brings back so many memories.....if you had any connection to this Bushwick neighborhood during the 50's and 60's, you must read this book.

I saw this book and needed to read it. After all, I am also Sicilian and born and raised in Brooklyn (though a good many years after Mr. Schiavelli.) His memories brought back a great deal of my own; often ones I had forgotten. I thank him for this. From the street vendors with their horses to the people sharing stories on their stoops to the men's only clubs and the strega exorcising the evil eye - It is all as I remember it, too. If anyone says that this book isn't true to Brooklynites and to Italians, they must not be either.
Enjoy it, it is true treasure!

I read this book with one arm. I had just broken my elbow in late 1998, and this book took me into another, happier world and literally eased my pain. You'll love the stories of a bygone era told with with love.

Thanks, Vincent, for easing my pain with your wonderful book.

I originally bought this book because I have always been interested in ethnic neighborhoods. Having lived in Italy for the last ten years I was more skeptical about the recipes. Having said that, while I was reading the book it was clear that Schiavelli knew what he was talking about. Myself and my wife (who is Italian) have been consistently ecstatic about the results of the recipes.

But why on EARTH are people selling it for 60 BUCKS when it's 24.95? LMAO

Great book, every recipe to die for. Yummy!

I love it. It's easy to read and follow, has tons of illustrations, easy receipies. I use it a lot.

Ever wonder why the food in Italy is so good when it seems so simple? The secret is good technique combined with locally-fresh ingredients. I love to cook, I love French food the best and I love complicated food, but I love a simple pasta just as well. I am also very visually oriented. Thus, the illustrations of the mise en place is perfect for me. I usually only need to glance at the actual instructions for the classics, which include visuals of all your ingredients. If you appreciate Eyewitness Guides (also published by DK) you'll appreciate the visual approach to cooking. The Carbonara is my favorite - although I always add a little chicken broth to pull it all together, and take the pancetta out of the pan till the last minute then toss it in (so it does not get soggy) and the Puttanesca ROCKS! I've tried at least 3/4ths of these and they are great. The only one I've tried that isn't awesome is the zucchini & shrimp pasta. A great pasta book and a great cookbook overall. It's in the canon if cookbooks - right up there with Joy of Cooking.

I got this book while living with my sister in florence, italy. at first glance it looks like a step-by-step "idiots guide to pasta" but once you jump past the children's book exterior, it really is a great resource. The recipes make the best use of easily accessible fresh and imported canned ingredients. The sauces are straightforward and simple both in preparation and taste. I personally like the huge quantity of vegetarian or easily-adjusted-to-be-veg recipes. Having access to the florence markets made everything taste like heaven!!! Don't miss the recipe whose introduction begins something like: "If I were sentenced to death and allowed to choose a last meal, this pasta with white truffles would be it."

If you like pasta this book is a must have. I am Italian, and learned to cook because I appreciate good food, and I like to eat! Eating is essential to life, why not eat the best foods, you only live once! I learned from watching my mother and grandmother cook and I can tell you the recipes in this book are the real thing; after all my mother bought this book for me. In my opinion(and my mother's) Marcella Hazan wrote the bible of Italian cookbooks with "Essentials of Italian Cooking"(also a must have), and this book is written by her son, so it is natural that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I have used this book countless times over the years, it is my reference for any pasta dish. It is easy to understand and follow, and after a while you will realize all these dishes are easy to prepare. Great illustrations on how to make fresh pasta and excellent sauce suggestions for different types of pastas. Lots of pictures so it makes it easy to understand what the dish is meant to look like, and what the ingredients should look like...I may have had a head start being of the Italian culture, but this book should make it easy for anyone to understand. Italian cooking is not centered around spaghetti and stewed tomatoes over tons of burned garlic, Italian cooking is colorful, diverse and subtle. This book will give you some insight into true Italian pastas, and the importance of fresh ingredients. Buy it, read it and eat in good health Per Cent' Ani!

The book is great--a long-time favorite of mine. Funny and touching at the same time.

The only drawback to my book: it was the English translation; not the American one.

John

I fell in love with both the priest Don Camillo and his faithful adversary, Peppone the Communist mayor, when I was only ten, and since then have read all of the books, several times. After my experiences of being in the USAF in Taiwan in the 1970s, and now a permanent resident in mainland China's Fujian Province, I can appreciate the kinds of clashes that can occur between Communists and Christians--serious, but at times quite humorous also. I appreciate the zany humor but most of all the down to earth warm portrayels of both Don Camillo and Peppone. The author shows good and bad sides of both, and Don Camillo's conversations with Christ, who speaks to him from the crucifix above the altar, are priceless. After a few stories, one realizes that neither Don Camillo nor Peppone are the good guy or the bad guy, but simple ordinary people--and though enemies, they each sometimes go out of their way to help the other (though secretly, to save face). The cast of supporting characters, like skinny Smilzo, is also a delight.
The line drawings of the angel Don Camillo and the devil Peppone are, of course, priceless. Simple and to the point, they are the icing on the Don Camillo cake, and probably the reason why I draw cartoons on everything from greeting cards to my books on China--Amoy Magic, Fujian Adventure, Mystic Quanzhou, deng deng (which is Chinese for "etcetera"). I highly recommend not only Little World but all of the Don Camillo books in print.

This little book is filled with quick-reading short chapters which each impart a bit of wisdom and a moral or biblical lesson, and always with humor.

The story format is short tales in the ongoing feud between village priest Don Camillo and communist mayor Peppone. One of them often ends up bruised (literally or figuratively). At first blush it would seem like a good vs evil scenario, but really they are very much alike, and secretly sympathize with (even love)one another. Each struggles through life's choices from the perspective of his own situation.

One of the best parts, for me, is that each battle-du-jour includes Camillo's "consultation" with and reception of "advice" from the Christ image at the church altar. Rich stuff. Of course the image is not really speaking, and this technique is the author's metaphor for the working of the Holy Spirit in Camillo (or "his conscience", depending on your own theological perspective).

The theme runs throughout the book. Each chapter in pretty much a stand-alone story, although a few chapters are coupled, dealing with an ongoing incident. An entertaining little read that is a superior choice to those "thought-for-the-day" motivational/religious pamphlets. I read mine a chapter at a time when going to bed for the night. It gave me a truth to ponder as I dropped off . . . zzzzzzzz. Or maybe install a copy in your bathroom book rack. This book is very Italian and very Catholic . . . but you needn't be either to enjoy it (I'm not).

I was at a summer fair recently and browsing on the book stall when I found a very old copy of the Little World of Don Camillo dating from 1953. I had no idea what it was at the time as I'd never heard of it but i was intrigued by the blurb. this book is HILARIOUS! I kept laughing out loud and getting very strange looks! but it was worth it! I am now determined to find the rest of the books and read them although I am aware that they may cost me slightly more that my 25p find at the Fete! It's a brilliant book that transports you into another world with ease and lets you meet characters that you can believe in and love. A very well spent 25 pence!

Having first entered Don Camillo's little world at 10, I have returned innumerable times over the decades, and frequently given directions to friends, too. This little work is a masterpiece. There is more wisdom, faith, hope, and love, to be found in its pages than in many far more "serious" works of fiction. All of that is accomplished in a deceptively simple gem of literary style. Like any great work of fiction, it captivates the heart as well as the mind. It is impossible to spend time in this little world and not come away with a smile on one's face and hope in one's heart. The Little World of Don Camillo is ideal reading for anyone, of any age or condition, anywhere.