What follows is a very incomplete listing of NON-fiction books about aspects of life and travel through Italy. I have ignored the better known tomes and fictional efforts, in hopes of offering some new alternatives for the Italophiles on this list.
I've also appended a listing of films that I'd sit through again (as opposed to those such as Stealing Beauty where the foreground story is lousy, but the background scenery is grand!]
Others may feel free to add their favorites to keep us dreaming until the next trip!
[all book summaries taken from Amazon.]
Desiring Italy by Susan Cahill 1997
Susan Cahill has gathered jewels of writing, penned by 31 women of letters, inspired by Italy. There's Muriel Spark on Venice,Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Mary McCarthy on Florence, Florence Nightingale and George Eliot on Rome, Edith Wharton on Milan, and Mary Taylor Simeti on Sicily. All together Cahill's arranged a beautiful antipasti plate of the impact--on the mind, the spirit, and above all the senses--of Italy.
Italian Days by Barbara Gruzziti Harrison, 1998
Barbara Grizzuti Harrison's travel journal is one of the most comprehensive, revealing and interpretive books of itsgenre. And yet Italian Days does not fit neatly into a category; lyrical, philosophical, anecdotal, it never pretends merely to give guidance or instruction to the traveler. The book is divided into eight chapters, each covering a city or specific region from Milan to Sicily. Barbara Harrison meanders through Italy, sharing her ideas about the people she encounters and all the while thinking- about architecture, religion, politics, food, society, nature, family and history. Her prose is joyful and informed, her descriptions of the people and places quite exhilarating.
Piazzas and Pizzas: The Adventures of the Clean Plate Club in Italy by Jan Kubik, 2002
Not since Mark Twain invaded Europe in Innocents Abroad has travel been so much fun, as we follow The Clean PlateClub through the daily ritual of morning coffee, frequent gelato, pranzo and cena. Punctuated by visits into museums,churches, and countless stores, in search of the Holy Bargain. Filled with humor, love, and an amazing number of incredibly helpful travel tips-- and more than a few cautionary traveler's misadventures. An irreverent, rollicking-and totally accurate-depiction of travel throughout Italy-loving every moment of it.
A House in Sicily, by Daphne Phelps, 2000
"I had always been a bit of a maverick," writes Daphne Phelps, looking back on why--at the age of 34--when she unexpectedly inherited a grand house [in 1947] in Taormina, Sicily, she gave up her profession in London, left behind her ordered life with its museums, theater, family and friends, and embarked on a life-long adventure. Reading her intriguing memoir, one is glad Phelps chose the unconventional path: after inheriting her uncle's Casa Cuseni with its terraced gardens and staggering views of Mt. Etna, she struggles to make ends meet, but instead of selling the estate,opens its doors to a steady stream of paying guests and visitors--many of them artists, writers, and intellectuals, including Bertrand Russell, HenryFaulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Roald Dahl.
The Seasons of Rome, A Journal by Paul Hofmann , 1999
Mr. Hofmann, a former Rome bureau chief for the New York Times, seems more fascinated than vexed by the city's inconveniences. Throughout his book, he describes his encounters with strikes and erratic mail service with inquisitive impartiality and in extensive detail. Mr. Hofmann's erudition and breadth of experience make his chronicle vibrant.
North of Naples, South of Rome by Paolo Tullio, Susan Morley (Illustrator), 1999
Since childhood, Paolo Tullio has returned each year to his hometown of Gallinaro, to the labyrinthine nest of his relations and to the passionate, warmhearted people of his valley. North of Naples, South of Rome describes a hilariously chaotic wine competition, samples the Italian cantina, demonstrates how to roast a pig whole, instructs on market-day haggling and surreptitious truffle-hunting, and investigates the charms and scams of Naples. It looks with disbelief at a tortuous bureaucracy, informs how to win a local election, observes the Catholic Church's role in daily life, and reflects upon a recent earthquake that saved the valley. With fascinating detours on local buildings, history, folklore, and fashion, the reader tours a carousel of picnics, feasts, and fireworks, led by the delightful pen and ink drawings of Tullio's wife, renowned water colorist Susan Morley.
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films (excerpted from Piazzas and Pizzas, above)
Big Night- (1996) Wonderful "little" film, starring Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott, Isabella Rosselini (sigh!), Ian Holm. About two Italian brothers, Primo and Secondi, who come to the United States in the 1950's to open a restaurant. Unfortunately, the American tastes are not ready for anything mor than spaghetti and meatballs. A rival restaurateur says he can arrange for musician Louis Prima and his band to eat there, and thus by word of mouth, people will flock in, saving the place. The meal that Primo prepares ranks with Babette's Feast or the banquet of Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. Wonderful film-- only you will never be able to find comparable Italian food here in the U.S., no matter how hard you try.
Much Ado About Nothing- (1993) Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves, Michael Keaton, Denzel Washingon. Shakespeare's romantic comedy, filmed entirely on location in central Tuscany not far from Greve.
A Room with A View-(1986) E.M.Forster's lush novel set in Florence (and England). by Merchant and Ivory, with Helen Bonham Carter, Julian Sands,Denholm Elliot, Daniel Day Lewis, and Maggie Smith. Wonderfully evocative of a lost Edwardian era and that most beautiful of cities.
Enchanted April- a disparate group of British ladies (played by Joan Plowright, Miranda Richardson, Polly Walker, and Josie Lawrence) respond to an advertisement about a rental property along the Italian Riveria, and decide to share the property for the month of April to escape from their personalproblems in a rainy London. Italy has a way of making everything seem much, much better! Naturally.
Only You- (1994) Marisa Tormei and Robert Downey, Jr., in an improbable plot across lovely Italy.On the eve of her wedding, she and a friend hop the next plane to Venice (not having time to change out of her wedding gown), going immediately to the Hotel Danieli . But guess what, he's already checked out, for Rome, where the fated duo spend time exploring the magnificence of that city. Then off to Positano (at the pool of the Hotel Le Sirenuse, no less!). There are two or three shots that are positively breathtaking, even if you feel confident that the lab helped out some. Lightweight but scenic.
Roman Holiday-(1953) William Wyler, Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck. Audrey gets her first Oscar playing a princess visiting Rome, yearning for a chance to experience "real life" for once. She sneaks out of the Embassy/Palace, ends up in newspaper reporter Peck's tiny apartment. Spends a wonderfulday touring the city, falling in love. Shot entirely on location in Rome.
Summertime- (1955) David Lean directed this story of spinster (Katherine Hepburn) vacationing in Venice, where she falls in love with a married man,played by Rosanno Brazzi. In one scene, Kate falls into a canal, which reportedly led to recurring infection that bothered her throughout life. Filmed on location.
Tea with Mussolini- (1999) Franco Zeffirelli's heart-warming autobiographical story of a young Italian orphan boy who is raised by an eccentric group of British women in Florence in the Thirties and Forties, as Mussolini rises to power and ultimately declares war on Britain and France. Florence and San Gimignano shine!
A Month By the Lake- (1995) and in this case the lake is the loverly (as Eliza Doolittle would say) Lago Como, or Lake Como. About an hour north of Milan but worlds away, where the Swiss alps descend into the Italian landscape.
Here is the Amazon review. Italy has long been associated with love, images of Romeo serenading Juliet, and over-sexed locals pinching tourist flesh. But another Italian love affair has been going on for just as long, namely the writers who've been enchanted with the place for centuries. Alice Powers has collected an anthology of 41 authors spanning two centuries and all of Italy. There's Lord Byron on Venice, Herman Melville on Padua, Michael Ondaatje on Tuscany, Charles Dickens on Genoa, Richard Wilbur on Rome, Mark Twain on Naples, and Calvin Trillin on Sicily, for a feast of fine literature set in glorious surroundings.
A book simply titled "Italy" is a compilation of traveler's tales of all kinds, including some wonderful pieces by the late Barbara Grizzuti(sp?) Harrison. It is in the Travelers Tales series of books and was edited by a schoolmate alumni of mine from the Overseas School of Rome, Anne Calcagno. The submitted stories were written by people from truly all walks of life, singles, couples, elderly, but all from Italy. I believe this is still in print. I gave my copy away just recently.
There's also another one that has some wonderful Italy stories in it, called Tales of Love and Romance, another in the Travelers Tales series.
There's an old movie called Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell. I actually have not actually seen the movie but saw excerpts from it as an old instructor of mine from high school, Desmond O'Grady (who's written many books on Italy and available, I believe, on places like Amazon), and a schoolmate of mine had a small part in there. The movie is so old that I believe he was around 10-12!
Maria When you know even for a moment that it's your time, then you can walk with the power of a thousand generations
Posts: 1167 | Location: London area now! | Registered: 10 November 2001
Misreadings Howto Travel with a Salmon and other Essays Travels in Hyperreality
All are excellent books, a diverse list that covers all kinds of topics- from Stille's look at the heroic attempts and horrific toll of investigating the Mafia; to the treatment of 5 Jewish families in various cities in Italy during WWII; to Eco's theories about understanding just why those sugar bowls in Italian bars are so damned difficult to operate; to one of my all time favorite travelling stories involving Eco's thwarted tries to keep some smoked salmon in his hotel room while on a book-promotion tour.
I highly recommend all of these.
Maureen
Posts: 4724 | Location: Boston or Florence | Registered: 07 July 2001
Can anyone recommend a good book on Mussolini and Italy around the time of WWII -- one in which the writing isn't necessarily dry? When we visited Salò on Lake Garda last summer, I'd read that there was enormous support for Mussolini in that area of the country. In fact, after he'd been in prison, the Germans "rescued" him and re-propped him up -- right in that area. But, of course, pretty soon after that he was "recaptured", etc. and was soon dead. I found that part of his life story pretty compelling and it made me want to read more about him and his world. Thanks.
David, usually in NYC
Posts: 4890 | Location: New York City | Registered: 15 June 2001
Great list Coco---mille grazie ! I would be remiss not to add my recent favorite NON-FICTION book that I reviewed earlier here. I was completely enthralled by the insight into the mindset of the locals by Isabella Dusi in her book " VANILLA BEANS & BRODO". It is a must for lovers of Tuscany.
BOB THE NAVIGATOR blittle@net-magic.net
Posts: 1852 | Location: Chapel Hill NC | Registered: 25 October 2001
For anyone who has ever considered living in Italy, "After Hannibal" by Barry Unsworth is well worth reading! Don't forget "Extra Virgin" or, what may be my favorite, hopeless romantic that I am, "A Thousand Days in Venice"
Posts: 4891 | Location: Umbria | Registered: 29 June 2001
A book you might be interested in is "Italian Pride--101 Reasons to Be Proud You're Italian." It has short (page or two) chapters on people and things Italian. I bought it for my husband. I'm only "Italian by Marriage" you see. I firmly believe, however, in my next life I will return to Italy as a full-blooded Italian. I should carry it off rather well I think, since I have had so much practice trying to be Italian in this life.
I would add a most interesting and erudite travel writer: H.V. Morton, author of "A Traveller in Italy" and "A traveller in Southern Italy" amongst many other of his travel books which, although written in the late 50's and early 60's, contain exceptionally detailed and still actual descriptions of Italian regions, with fascinating historical and personal insights. Highly recommended!
quote:Originally posted by David: Can anyone recommend a good book on Mussolini and Italy around the time of WWII -- one in which the writing isn't necessarily dry?
1. I think Mussolini was captured and killed in the Lake Como region. 2. Some titles on the subject (but what is good writing is in the eye of the reader...): "Mussolini" by Anthony James Joes (1982) "Mussolini's Empire-The Rise and Fall of the Fascist Vision" by Edwin P. Hoyt (circa 1984?) "Mussolini" by Dennis Mack Smith (1982).
Early 1980's seemed to have been good years for reminiscing on the subject. Since then, it seems to have been neglected...
Doru
Posts: 5897 | Location: Toronto | Registered: 26 May 2002
quote:Originally posted by David: Can anyone recommend a good book on Mussolini and Italy around the time of WWII
David-
Funny you should ask! I just got an e-mail from the BPL saying they have received a copy of Mussolini by R. J. B. Bosworth. If I can make my way through the U-haul trucks clogging the streets of greater Boston, I'm hoping to pick it up and read it this weekend. I'll let you know what I think of it.
It was reviewed by Alexander Stille in the July 21, 2002, edition of the NY Times Book Review, if you want ot have a look.
In the same edition is also a review of Iris Origo: Marchesa of Val d'Orcia by Caroline Moorehead.
Maureen
Posts: 4724 | Location: Boston or Florence | Registered: 07 July 2001
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Giovanna: I firmly believe, however, in my next life I will return to Italy as a full-blooded Italian. ____________________________________________________________
I'm with you Giovanna! I am praying that I've finally managed to atone for whatever I did to offend the Universe in my previous life as an Umbrian Sunflower Farmer. It must have been a grievious sin indeed, to have been stripped of my Umbrian birthright and forced to return as a English/Dutch/Scottish/French/Cherokee mongrel! At this point I will happily accept any human incarnation into any of Italy's 20 regions. I know that once there, my soul will somehow find its way back to Umbria.
Oops. I see that I've left out a letter. But for some reason the board will not give me the editing icon. So, I apologize. As careless a speller as I generally am, I do know that there should have been an 'i' in grievous. <sheepish grin>
Hmmm ! Funny you should mention that reincarnation thing. I am not sure, but I may have been a Captain in the guard for Lorenzo di Medici in Florence circa 1500. I tend to have some flash backs to that era, but perhaps it was just too much Jack Daniels. Hmmm !
BOB THE NAVIGATOR blittle@net-magic.net
Posts: 1852 | Location: Chapel Hill NC | Registered: 25 October 2001
I can recommend The World of Venice, by Jan Morris. It was written in 1960; but is richly layered with history, social commentary, and wonderful images.
And David, while probably not exactly what you're looking for- Mathew Spender's Within Tuscany has a chapter or two dealing with the conflicts and reprucussions of the Mussolini era. I'm not overly wild about the book (*cough*overindulgent*cough); but he records some interesting currents in 60's and 70's Tuscan life.
Ya know, I read about 1/2 of the book when we were there last summer -- enough to find the church that houses the cross that he sculpted (and we really enjoyed that little pilgrimage, as it was in "our neighborhood". I'll have a look at it again. Thanks.
David, usually in NYC
Posts: 4890 | Location: New York City | Registered: 15 June 2001
Another of my many favorites is "The City of Florence: Historical Vistas and Personal Sightings" by R.W.B. Lewis, a former Yale professor who won the Pulitzer Prize for this biography of Edith Wharton. As he says in this book, thanks to academic schedules and frequent sabbaticals, he and his family have been fortunate to live in Florence for some period each year.
He provides both historical fact about the development and growth of that captivating city, along with more personal accounts of his own life as a temporary resident, citizen, etc.
If you love Florence, this one is highly recommended.
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