Books to get you in the mood!
 

I noticed that there are many people who love to read here, I would like some suggestions on books that would be related to Italian history, I would like to read and understand where and , what I am visiting; An example to this ,I am going to read the life of Saint Francis when I visit Assisi.Ideas would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

I recently read 'Lucifer's Shadow' by David Hewson. It's a novel in the genre of the DaVinci Code - mystery taking place in two different timeframes. Great for those going to (or having been in) Venice. I enjoyed it and am now reading another of his novels.

I enjoyed Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King for Florence. Are you looking for non-fiction only or also historical fiction?

I really liked "The Agony and the Ecstasy", which is a biography of Michelangelo. I gave a copy to my niece before her trip to Italy and she said it really helped her appreciate his work more.

Also by Ross King, try Michaelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling. I recommend reading it shortly before going to Rome, then visit the Sistine Chapel, and the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican Museum. Your visit will come alive!

I second "The Agony and the Ecstasy." I loved it.

I too am reading the Micheangelo book, The Pope's Ceiling. I just finished a book about the Roman statesman/orator Cicero. Fiction? The Birth of Venus and A Thousand Days in Venice.

Hi lilminkey, it is not a history book but you might enjoy "Italian Neighbors" by Tim Park. He is an Englishman that settled in Italy, just east of Verona with his wife. It is an amusing book but it also really reveals the "Italian way" of thinking and doing things.

Re: Books on Italy. Somewhere in Fodor's replies (within the past year--so probably hard to find) is a very lengthy listing of books to read about Italy. I printed it out for my use and find it very handy when looking for reading material. Not only is it good to read some books, prior to a trip, but it is a great "memory-jog" to read about a place you've been and can recall how it looked to you. mhm

A good introduction to Italy's history and culture is Peter D'Epiro's book, "Sprezzatura; 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped The World." Short portraits of Italy's finest artists, scientists, saints and inventors both ancient and contemporary.

We are going on our yearly trip to Venice next month, so I just read Alibi. I always re-read A Thousand Days in Venice before going. Miss Garnet's Angel is also a good book for Venice.

This is so great.Thanks everyone ;Thanks for sharing!!

Here is the previous thread on books about Italy:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34410488

If you enjoy Dan Brown, "Angels and Demons" will give you a nightmare tour of the Vatican. However, for history, how about "The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici" by Christopher Hibbert?

another ttt

topping for the person looking for books set in Italy