Italy Books

This book compares Padre Pio's experiences to that of other mystics without losing its biographical feel. It is broken down into short chapters each of which focus on a major event or person in Padre Pio's life. Written by a former journalist, exerpts from many original sources are included.

I WAS SORRY TO SEE THAT "PADRE PIO, THE PIERCED PRIEST" IS INDEFINATELY OUT OF STOCK. I'VE LENT THIS BOOK TO SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS AND THEY HAVE AGREED WITH MY ASSESSMENT. MR GALLAGER HAS WRITTEN A WONDERFUL, UNEMBELLISHED BOOK ON A MAN WHO IS DESTINED TO BE CANONIZED A SAINT. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THIS FORUM FOR COMMENTS. JANA MEIXNER

The previous reviewer notes that Italian manuscripts in the earier part of the century were rather lackluster, and I tend to agree, with the addition that the aesthetic was very different from Northern Europe. The glory of France was in the Book of Hours, the pride of England was in the Grand Psalter, and Italy and Spain seemed to revel in the Sumptuous Choirbook. These were meant to be seen at a distance, and possessed a glory of design, rather than detail. They often remain in their original churches or local museums, and do not reproduce as exquisitely as smaller prayerbooks. In the later 15th and 16th centuries, the taste and expense showed greater predilection for private, highly detailed volumes that are almost unbelievably crafted even compared to the glories of Flanders and France. It might be noted that many of these supremely costly volumes had relatively few paintings, frequently only the Frontispieces. That is good from the standpoint of being able to see a lot of different things in one catalog. The workmanship here is magnificent, and emphasized by really good photography. The authors provide copious and scrupulously documented notes and the Introductions provide a nice foundation without reaching too extensive a length. I find the material a bit too rich to digest in large quantities, but adds interest: How many of these books could reasonably be afforded by anyone short of a Medici Prince? The French and Flemish catalogs usually have a range of quality, value, and provenance, but these are all from the top eschelon only. So enjoy the richest of the rich.

This book features plates and commentary regarding a exhibition of illuminated manuscripts from Italy that toured the US several years ago. Like most exhibition catalogs, it features essays about the general era as it pertains to the art, descriptions and histories of many of the items in the exhibit, and photographic reproductions of many of the best items in the exhibition. The editorial review pretty acurately describes the bare-bones contents, and so I won't repeat that worthy information here.

Italian illumination prior to about 1450 is, in my opinion, lackluster. The French, Flemish, and English were doing a much better job of painting books. However, the examples presented in this book prove just how beautiful Italian illumination could be once the Italians hit their stride. The paintings and illuminations featured in this catalog range from pretty to exquisite to sublimely beautiful.

This book has provided me with lots of inspiration in my own work as a modern-day book illuminator, and I highly recomend it to any other artist seeking inspriation in this genre.

The craze for Italy following in the wake of Frances Mayes brings this exquisite novel to America at last, nearly three years after its UK appearance. Set in mid-nineteenth century Italy,it's the story of a sculptor's love for a woman called Donna Donatella, and the huge and fabulous house he sets out to build for them to share. Donna makes only the briefest of appearances in the story - out of which Gabriele, the sculptor, conjures a passion and an obsession, which manifests itself in the palace. Lisa St Aubin De Teran's magical prose makes this slow, subtle tale genuinely gripping. Her lush and evocative use of words - she is one of the finest stylists in modern English language fiction - is nevertheless very precise. You will picture Venice clearly in your mind through her remarkably fresh descriptions, and see each stone of the house as it evolves. A book to revel in, to take time with, to read and read again. And to lead you to the seven earlier novels of Lisa St Aubin De Teran.

Truly a great story. It started out very dickenish like a tale of two cities and then moved in her own style. Whats even better of her writing is the fact is that both the story and characters give the reading a tremendous boast. So many writers today suck because they are only good at one or the other. Her creativity in her writing is truly unique. Its truly a great moving story but the ending dragged on about the palace a little too long. Even still, I think I want to read more of her work since I am now a fan (which I do not become that often).

I was in Sicily last February, a beautiful time to be there and though I saw many beautiful things, I did not see all the wonderful palaces described in this lovely book. The book is a great incentive to go again.

How great the book is.Through the book you can watch the most beautiful palaces in Sicily. The phots show the incredible buildings and sight, just like you walking among them,breathing with them. Off course the words introduce the history about each palace , just like a sweet dream, enjoy it.

By using this book modern readers can get an extraordinary view of Rome, following in the footsteps of Palladio, the Renaissance master architect, as he takes them round the churches and antiquities. Just the right size to fit in your pocket, will change the way you see the 'eternal city'.

This book serves as a wonderful guide to a neglected side of Rome. Palladio's two guidebooks to the 'City of Wonders' published in 1554 were addressed to both his fellow architects and to religious tourists. He leads the reader into the ruins through the walls and gates, moves on to the roads, bridges, sewers and aqueducts, and then to the circuses, triumphal columns, arches and, finally, the temples. By using its useful annotated maps on site, this book allows the reader to follow in the footsteps of the Renaissance tourist. A reviewer in the New York Times described it as "A fascinating snapshot of Rome a century before the Baroque architects got their hands on it."

the book came in a timely manner and is in very good condition

Really a wonderful book on the iconic Palladio and his muse Venice. It's as if, the two where made for each other, his genius seems to have found its perfect setting in this most unique city. The images are crisp and the text is fascinating. If you have any interest in Palladio or Venice, or just appreciate a great coffee table book, then I can't conceive of you being anything but pleased with this purchase. Highly recommended.

I picked up an uncorrected proof of this cookbook/travel memoir at a tag sale. I am an avid cookbook reader and thought I would check it out. I was so pleasantly surprised by Pane e Salute. The book has two narrators, a husband and wife team who own a restaurant in Vermont (which I am dying to visit!). She tells the stories of the couples' various travels through Italy in each of the four seasons in quick, beautifully detailed vignettes. He provides the recipes from their journeys.
While I truly enjoyed the memoir of the people and places that have blessed the authors' lives, as a self-proclaimed foodee, it is the recipes that make this such a great find. They are simple, flavorful, and have filled my apartment with rich aromas and full tables since I discovered the book. There is something pure about the way this food is prepared that makes you feel great eating and serving it.

New Englanders are fortunate enough to be within a reasonable driving distance to Woodstock, an idyllic Victorian town nestled in the Rutland region of eastern Vermont--perhaps one of the last places one might look for exquisite, authentic Italian cuisine served in an atmosphere that could just as easily be in Siena or Florence as Vermont. For everyone else, there is--thankfully--this book. While Heekin and Barber are not themselves Italian, their long love affair with Italy, its culture and its people have inspired them to the fine culinary heights that come from immersing oneself in the fundamental laws of simple, full-bodied living. They KNOW Italy. Heekin's exquisite, finely crafted prose introduces each section of the book, which is organized by season, and Barber's brilliant recipes (and his flair for imparting them in a way that is truly inspirational) make this lovely volume a must-have in ANY cook's kitchen, especially if you love Italy, real Italian food and what can only be called "authentic living." Live and cook by their recipes, and you'll transform your kitchen and home into a warm, cozy, sun-filled haven for you, your friends and family.

One of the features of this little book which I appreciate more than words can convey is the little glossary of dishes found at its end. Listed within 3 columns are the names,spellings and pronunciations of dishes in Italian, English and Sicilian. It is a delightful resource.

Vincent Schiavelli's recollections of his grandfather's stories are very sweet. It is far more than a "recipe book". It's an enchanting family history as well.

While stationed in the Air Force at Hempstead, Long Island, I use to visit with my aunt Anna who lives on Ellery Street, down the block from the author, and this book brought back many many EXCELLENT memories of Brooklyn. Great reading and recipts.

A wonderfully clear presentation of the methods of Sicilian cooking through presentation of many important recipes. The author's recollections of his grandfather who taught him to cook shows the warmth, humor and culture of the Sicilians. Many of the recipes familiar in my childhood are found in this book. Now my daughter is learning one important aspect her great grandmother's culture.

I look forward to the revised edition and plan to buy several copies for friends and family.

This book will bring you back to nonna's kitchen. Every recipe, so far has been excellent. With each easy to comprehend and prepare recipe, comes stories from the old country, and a few from the new. You will be very pleased with this book.

One of Ruth Sanderson's Best. A sweet retelling of the Cinderella Story with a "feline spin". Papa Gatto is the prince's advisor, and is responsible for bringing "Cinderella" (Beatrice) together with the Prince. I love the message included at the end that care should be taken in not rushing into a marriage without coming to know and love your partner first.

Wonderful story, rich and delightful illustrations. My 6 year old daughter can't get enough of this book.