Italy Books

I thoughly enjoyed this book & would highly recomend it.Its amusing & informative about life in a Sicilian family where the days seem to revolve around food.
Susan Ribeiro dos Santos

This beautiful book brings Sicily to life, with its evocations of three generations of an Italian family, combined with fascinating descriptions of its history and culture, from the Greeks to the mafia and everything in between. I would recommend this book to anyone planning to visit Sicily, or simply looking to escape into its pages and experience the warmth of this family and their villa in the sun. I loved it!

As a fellow Brit married to a Sicilian, I can attest that Ms. Seller Manzo's insights and observations of life in Sicily are as authentic as the family's homemade tomato sauce. The flavours of Sicily are all there, seasoned with hilarious and touching anecdotes about the Manzo household and the author's daunting task of fitting into such a splendidly eccentric family.

I bought this book for my father as a Christmas gift, and he loved it. My family comes from the Friuli area of Italy, and we felt that the map at the back of the book was excellent as it included small towns as well as big towns and cities. Very inclusive. It's a fun book to keep on your coffee table to look at whenever you have a spare moment. It's great to show other people from Friuli when they come over to visit. I never knew there were so many castles in the Friuli area, and the photography was great. After looking at the pictures, it is also interesting to read the heritage and culture that surround these castles. The author and photographer obviously worked very well together. I am very glad to have this book.

As stated in the title, this is a book about the history of the castles of Friuli. However, Ulmer's discussion will also be of interest to anyone looking for general information about castles. His intention is to debunk the "myth" of the castle by showing how the romantic image of medieval castles contrasts with historical reality. Personally, I like the myth just fine, and Ulmer's excellent argument has done nothing to diminish the fantasy for me. On the contrary, I find it easy to balance the historical data with the romantic ideal when I look at Affara's exceptional photography. In fact, I bought this book based solely on the photography and only later read the text to increase my enjoyment of those beautiful pictures. The photos include aerial views of both restored castles and ruins, details of architectural features, and restored interiors with furnishings. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of medieval castles, to anyone who appreciates breathtaking photography, and above all to anyone who likes a little reality with their romance.

This large heavy book is superb reading. It contains many full page photos of absolutely breathtaking buildings & to a lesser their interiors. Mirimare , near Trieste is enchanting. The text is written from the point of view of the historical development of the castle. Contains much information for the right minded person. Makes a great coffee table book and conversation piece.

After reading a great review of this book I decided to give it a try. I have trouble finding novels that grab my attention and keep my interest, and I was thankful to find that Chasing Tales was fun from the start. I recommend it to any reader who enjoys getting to know the characters. I found myself missing them once I finished the book, and am hoping there will be more work coming from Lanae River-Woods in the future.

Chasing Tales is a true delight! There is a natural cantor to the way the characters are written, making you feel like you are discovering them as you read - similar to meeting a new person and learning about them through shared experiences. The effect is that by the end you feel as though you've made friends of the characters. Also, while the book is easy to read with a story that melts in your mouth, it is not full of brainless fluff. The characters deal with real issues that challenge you and gives you a sense of sinking your teeth into real life.

This excellent first novel by Lanae Rivers-Woods wraps you in from the first chapter with engaging, fully-developed characters, and a fast-moving plot. I was especially impressed that even the side characters in the book had personalities, they weren't just cardboard cut-outs. Several sections tug the heart strings, and the profusion of fine characters gives everyone who reads it someone to relate to. I hated to see this book end and I'm eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

I wish I had had this book in hand the first time I visited Florence. This guide lists everything from art supplies to vintage clothing, organized by walks and located on tiny maps. On my next trip this tiny volume will be in my carry-on baggage--I don't want to risk its not getting off the plane with me. I wish there were volumes for Venice, Edinburgh, London, and all my other favorite cities. The Civilized Shopper's Guide is a treasure of a book.

This little book made the difference between a great trip to Florence and an "off-the-charts" fabulous adventure. It's filled with descriptions of tiny shops of every imaginable kind that you might never find on your own -- the best of the best, unique items, real craftsmen. There's 90 year old glove shop where they simply take one look at your hand, immediately know your size and can make the perfect recommendation (and they did!) We met a 3rd generation leather craftsman who makes exquisite polished boxes and other items, and just as the book described, he works alone, and is more that happy to stop his work, greet guests and tell them all about his work. Every restaurant that we went to listed in this book was out of this world, and didn't break the bank. Oh, and Grom gelato is reason enough to hop a plane right this minute. This book got us off the tourist track and into a wonderful world we might have otherwise missed. Literally 4 inches square, the book fits into any civilized purse or jacket pocket. I don't even like to shop, and this book made be excited to get out of bed (despite the jet lag) and see as much as I could see. If you've been to Florence before, then this is the ONLY guidebook you'll need on your return trip. The author has apparently written a companion book on Rome. I can't wait for her to take on other great cities of the world. Ciao!

Makes you want to hop on a plane (with a tasteful wallet full of crisp Euros) and explore the art of shopping or even just window shopping in this city with already so much to please the eye. A lovely guide with just the right tone of voice and beautiful images. The handsome package and handy size make it a must-have for a stay of any length in Firenze.

This is a wonderful book. Also, check out the movie "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" and the book "Francis: the Journey and the Dream".

I love this book for a million reasons but probably the simplest reason is the mystery that is as old as the world and the separateness and unity of the sexes themselves. It paints Clare the human woman and Clare the divine woman and seeks not to compromise either but makes St. Clare real flesh and bone and brings her radiant awe into a new era when mankind is floundering for as sense of identity. Friar Bodo writes like no other and from the point of view of a contemplative,the inner way and written by a man who himself seems to be madly in love with the Lady Clare - and who himself has the touch and the gift of a medieval poet.

this book is written with all the tender poignancy of a lover and with all the insight and wisdom of a man who has followed in the footsteps of the Franciscan Way. For all who are interested in a more intimate knowledge of Clare and Francis or anyone simply interested in a love story at it's zenith and it's purest - this book is purely a real fairy tale and pure treasure.

Clare - A Light in the Garden is a book to be cherished, endeared, words to be read over and over. Murray Bodo paints a picture like no other person. He definitely has a sense of the holyness and purpose of St. Clare. Enjoy and share with others!

I found this book from a suggestion of an Italy friend.I read it and i thing that it is a good guide, for someone who want to learn something more about Italian kitchen.For me it was very good.

I found this book from a suggestion of an Italy friend.I read it and i thing that it is a good guide, for someone who want to learn something more about Italian kitchen.For me it was very good.

This is a great set of professional Italian recipes. The range is magnificent and utilizes the ingrediants to the fullest. I must warn the home cook these recipes are not designed for the casual cook,Most recipies require a solid knowledge of classical culinary technique . This book is great for expierenced home cooks to create dishes that are elevated above the ordinary italian fair. I ,as a professional Chef, found this a great resource in designing my own menu .

I first got this book in the 1970's and have never seen such a comprehensive guide to the types, cooking and serving of pasta ever. There are descriptions of the many different types and shapes of pasta given. A basic recipe to make your own pasta dough is included. This book became one of my favorites and the recipes given are easy to follow, authentic, and turn out delicious. My copy has yellowed with age and usage, and friends will ask for recipes but I will never part with this book! There are too many good memories of wonderful meals prepared that fetched oohs and aahs from my guests. Definately a treasure to own!

This is one of my most beloved cookbooks. The lasagne recipe was on of the first I ever made back in college (20 years ago.) It is still one of my favorite recipes!! I desperately need a new copy as this one is held together with paperclips and pasta starch.

I got this book with my first pasta machine over 20 years ago. Making your own fresh pasta is certainly rewarding, but since the book was published decent "fresh" pasta is easily available in most stores. Whether you make your own or let others create the pasta, this book contains hundreds of great basic, as well as exotic Italian Recipes from basic tomato sauce to stewed coot with linguine (duck may be substituted). I went on line to look for this book because I need to replace my 1968 softcover edition which is well-yellowed and on its last legs. The publisher should consider reissuing this classic.

actually I'm looking for this book, very important, if anyone would like to sell me theres. Please respond e-mail. thank you

Italy's involvement in World War 2 has often been practically omitted from works by serious historians who based their research only on the accounts of American, British Empire and German combatants. From the scant information available about the Italian air force, the Regia Aeronautica, readers might assume it was irrelevant to the conflict. The accounts of those who faced its pilots in combat show this view to be mistaken.

The previous absence of material published on the Italian Regia Aeronautica is redressed by this book. It features large numbers of outstanding rare photographs, and is thoughtfully illustrated with maps. An exhaustive list of the aircraft types operated by the Italians is also included.

As well as covering the Mediterranean and North African fronts, it includes lesser known Italian deployments to the Russian Front, East Africa, and in Belgium during the Battle of Britain. This fascinating book is excellent value for money and sets a new standard for reference texts on the subject.

This is one of the best of the few books available on the Italian Airforce as well as a great companion to the Italian Airforce 44-45 by Ferdinando DiAmico. I was able to use it to provide background data on a web based profile on Loris Baldi who flew with the Regia Aeronautica and ANR.... If anyone needs some research material I would be happy to check my copies for data. The text and order of battle charts, in Chris Dunnings book are very well done. Outstanding photos as well. It was one of the first published by Hikoki Publishing which seems to specialize in these rare subjects.

Like another reviewer, I spent a few weeks this past summer in Italy. In a small town near Rome I had one of the most memorable meals of my life. In Naples I had a plate of spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce and basil so good if I'd dropped dead right then and there, I would have died a contented man. When I got home, I wanted to recreate the food I had in Italy. This book, and all the others La Place has written, showed me how. I have other Italian cookbooks and I love them all. What distinguishes LaPlace's books is that she makes cooking a simple, quick undertaking so you don't feel like every meal's the final exam at Cordon Bleu. Along with speed and simplicity, she captures the improvisational, unpretentious essence of the best Italian cooking. Flavors are allowed to speak for themselves, they get amplified, not sauced over or cooked out of existence. The results of her recipes are dishes so fresh, easy, and authentic if I sit back afterwards over a cup of authentic Italian coffee (made according to La Place's directions in the excellent La Bella Cucina), I can almost hear Vesuvius rumble, almost hear the waves in the Bay of Naples. No one who buys any of La Place's books will regret it.

Given to me as a gift a few years ago, this cookbook has become my most used. Recipes are simple to follow and raves at the table are guarenteed. Recommended recipes: Goat Cheese with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Light Minestrone, Shrimp with Rosemary... and so many more. I have since given this book as a gift to many, MANY friends!

Having just spent a month in Italy, Cucina Rustica takes me back every time I use it. The recipes are simple to make and delicious. Especially wonderful is the Ribollita, zuppa di ceci and all the fagioli. The Spaghetti al Pomodoro Arrostito is the easiest to make and best tasting sauce ever. It's the only one my teenage son will eat (and he "hates" tomatoes)! Be sure to use fresh ingredients and shop at an Italian grocery store if possible.

This is a detailed history of an Italian New Age Community that sounds like they have achieved utopia. The people have combined creativity, self-fulfillment, simple living, art and spirituality in an atmosphere of peace. There is hope for our world and this community reveals a path to a posssible, brighter furture. I am buying several copies of this book for my friends, many of whom have expressed a longing to create a group such as the Damanhurians.

This first edition of this book is great, but it is now out of print and out of date with the publication of a brand new edition of Jeff Merrifield's book, entitled: Damanhur: The Story of the Extraordinary Italian Artisitic and Spiritual Community (2006). Much has been updated and added to the new edition, including more than 150 black and white photos. The Federation of Damanhur is essentially about research and change, and the new book reflects many innovations in a number of areas of this remarkable community.

This is an introduction into one of the most unusual alternative communities in the world. Originally a small group of like-minded spiritual seekers, over the past twenty-five years Damanhur has grown to over 600 people. The book speaks eloquently of the community's most noteworthy feat, the construction, carried out in secret for over fifteen years, of a magnificent temple complex deep inside a mountain. The discovery of this temple by a deeply embarrassed Italian bureaucracy in 1992 brought Damanhur a great deal of attention, especially in Italy. As the breadth of this achievement was realized, due primarily to the investigation by Italian authorities who initially wanted to fill the temple with sand, Damanhur became recognized as a national treasure. The book also gives insight into how a community can grow and prosper while maintaining it's integrity and vision. Although located in the remote Valchiusella valley in northern Italy, the individuals of the community have created more than 40 individually owned businesses, most of which have sprung from the community's artistic talent and it's successful experiments in becoming self-sustaining. The most important section of the book discusses Damanhur's unique structure, decentralized, with a constitution that is always evolving in order to reflect the challenges of community life. This unusual flexibility and lack of a rigid hierarchy have enabled Damanhur to escape the bitter politics and endless conflicts that have doomed many other new age communities.