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any reading suggestions for trip to italy?

any reading suggestions for trip to italy?

Old Nov 1st, 2002, 07:39 AM
  #1  
xxx
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any reading suggestions for trip to italy?

looking for a historical type of book...but suited for casual reading. already read under the tuscan sun.
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 07:48 AM
  #2  
elaine
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read it recently, it's called
Sprezzatura
brief essays about landmarks in Italian culture and history
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 07:52 AM
  #3  
claire
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Vanila Beans & Brodo

Dances with Luigi

Desiring Italy (essays from many fine authors)

anything by or about Iris Origo
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 07:54 AM
  #4  
Pauline
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I'll give you some great advice, you must read 'Too Much Tuscan Sun' confessions of a Chianti Tour guide written by a Tuscan called Dario, you can order it directly through him at [email protected]
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 09:29 AM
  #5  
Eye Spy
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The classics of course!

Stenhal: Italian Chronicles

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Italian Journey

and one of the best social commentaries and a novel most Italians regard as the greatest Italian novel: The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) by Manzoni.

 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 09:31 AM
  #6  
Eye Spy
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Oops. Typed too fast: Stendhal (Marie-Henri Beyle)
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 01:38 PM
  #7  
Yawn
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The promessi Sposi is a classic, the most boring book in the world, ask any Italian and he will confirm
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 01:42 PM
  #8  
Frank
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Perhaps boring for you. If you like the period in which it plays, then it's wonderful and you won't start yawning. I yawned when I read your posting.
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 02:46 PM
  #9  
Rex
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Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
by Ross King

and currently on sale as a package with Sprezzatura.

Best wishes,

Rex
 
Old Nov 1st, 2002, 03:42 PM
  #10  
Bob
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See the post by Rex above. I found this book on the building of the catheral in Florence while browsing in a book store. It made me want to return to Florence again as I now have a better appreciation for the construction.

The book is only about 165 pages but reads like fiction. If you are going to Florence, read it first. Ross King did a great job.
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 03:45 AM
  #11  
up
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topping
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 04:28 AM
  #12  
Boring do not read
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For FRank
I agree I have many italian friends and they all have told that the Promessi Sposi is the most boring book in the world!
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 05:15 AM
  #13  
Rex
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<<currently on sale as a package>>

I failed to clarify - - this is a reference to www.amazon.com
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 05:42 AM
  #14  
elizabeth
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My husband really enjoyed The Tuscan Year by Elizabeth Romer - A year in the life of a Tuscan Farm Kitchen.

"Report on the Shroud of Turin" by John Heller was also very interesting. It may be out of print now and hard to find but there are a couple of other Shroud books on Amazon.
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 05:54 AM
  #15  
Ann
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The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone. On the life of Michelangelo, but it has an incredible amount of information. Most places in the book are still there in Florence, Rome and Bologna.
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 06:11 AM
  #16  
Maira
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You asked for a historical book suited for casual reading, and I would strongly recommend "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. I rad this book about 10 years ago and remains one of the best book I've ever read. The book narrates the story of the construction of a cathedral in 12th century England and the lives of the people involved around it. It is a great story, I could not put this book down.
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 06:11 AM
  #17  
Maira
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You asked for a historical book suited for casual reading, and I would strongly recommend "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. I read this book about 10 years ago and remains one of the best book I've ever read. The book narrates the story of the construction of a cathedral in 12th century England and the lives of the people involved around it. It is a great story, I could not put this book down.
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 06:24 AM
  #18  
Grasshopper
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I wholeheartedly second the recommendation of The Agony and the Ecstasy. It was what sparked my love for Italy and Michealangelo. Also, A World Lit Only By Fire.
 
Old Nov 2nd, 2002, 08:27 PM
  #19  
rising
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like helium, but only briefly
 
Old Nov 6th, 2002, 09:13 AM
  #20  
Ward
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"Captain Corelli's Mandolin" is good, casual reading. Supposedly based on a true story you can put it down to go for a stroll in the Tuscan sun, then pick it up again. If I understand correctly, you want a book to read that will not take you away from all that Tuscany has to offer during your limited stay there. Then this is that book.

The first part is rather slow reading. And then it gets going and you'll read about an Italian army captain, who during WWII in Greece, moves in with a doctor and his daughter.

The book became a movie starring Nichlas Cage in the role of the captain.

Some critics thought Cage's Italian accent was atrocious. As for me it was fine....and, in my opinion, the best movie he has made since "Con Air".
 

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