The Golden Milestone: The Italian Heritage of Innovation and Contribution to Civilization - 4th Edition [Paperback]

Russell R. Esposito (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0967143616 | ISBN-13: 978-0967143613 | Publication Date: January 15, 2007 | Edition: 4th

This highly acclaimed and comprehensive book offers readers over 2,500 years of Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. The book's 22 chapters cover every subject: art, architecture, music, fashion, science, law, culinary arts, economics, medicine, automobiles, the entertainment industry, sports, and much more. The author's ability to blend facts with some humor and personal anecdotes makes this book a joy to read. The book covers the wonders of ancient Rome, Renaissance Italy, as well as modern contributions and Nobel Prize winners. The book is illustrated and contains an astonishing collection of inventions and accomplishments. For example, Italians invented the piano, violin, opera, ballet, battery, telescope, radio, and telephone in NYC years before Alexander Bell. Discover how Enrico Fermi ushered in the atomic age, and how Italian sculptors carved the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C. Explore the chapter on Literature to uncover the origins of many famous fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.). In the chapter on American Government, the author quotes John F. Kennedy who wrote in his book, "A Nation of Immigrants" that the great American principle, all men are created equal, originated with an Italian physician, Philip Maezzi, who was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson. Also, learn how physicist Federico Faggin of Italy developed the world's first computer microprocessor while working for Intel. Discover the lives of many other distinguished personalities: NYC Mayors, the President of the European Union, and the Director of the European Space Agency. The Golden Milestone has thousands of notable entries and fascinating facts. Critics agree. It is a must for anyone's library. This book also includes a unique `Italy Travel Guide' supplement that combines history and attractions for over twenty cities and locations in Italy. A great virtual tour! SOME PRESS REVIEWS "Passionate... Readers become hopelessly engrossed... absolutely essential

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Passionate... Readers become hopelessly engrossed... absolutely essential...it is a resource of rare historical and contemporary relevance." - Emily T. Gear, Director Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, NYC --Garibaldi-Meucci Museum (NY, NY)

"Until you read the whole book, you'll never get a sense of the immense impact the Italian mind has had on...the world." - Professor Fred Gardaphe, Ph.D. Director, Italian-American Studies Program, Stony Brook University, NY Former President, American Italian Historical Association --"Fra Noi" Magazine (Chicago, IL)

"Italians...if they read this book, as they should, I am confident they would be more proud of their achievements and heritage." - Antonio Bandini, Consulate General of Italy, NY, NY --Italian Consulate (NY, NY)

From the Publisher

This book combines two decades of careful research with an occasional dash of humor and personal commentary that makes it both fascinating and a delight to read. It is very comprehensive and has been called "the bible of Italian culture and heritage" by experts on the subject (read the many online editorial reviews). It is a must for anyone interested in Italian and Italian-American heritage. The book's comprehensive treatment of history and events renders it universally appealing since the author often provides a context of other contributing cultures and peoples.
This book also includes a unique `Italy Travel Guide' supplement that combines history and attractions for over twenty cities and locations in Italy.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 549 pages
• Publisher: The New York Learning Library; 4th edition (January 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967143616
• ISBN-13: 978-0967143613
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,103,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars informative and fun, September 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Golden Milestone: The Italian Heritage of Innovation and Contribution to Civilization - 4th Edition (Paperback)

I really liked reading the different parts of this comprehensive book. By different parts, I literally mean that I read a part here, then a part there, as each sub-section stands on its own as a docu-tribute to the incredible contributions by Italians. This is a great reference book that could serve as the source material for a "Who wants to be a Millionaire" show based on Italian culture and history. I'll be giving it out to many relatives as a Christmas gift this year.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Golden Milestone, October 26, 2000

By 

Thomas Giordano (California, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Milestone: The Italian Heritage of Innovation and Contribution to Civilization - 4th Edition (Paperback)

You can't buy a better book on the subject. This book is a must for your library - great information and very very comprehensive! My entire family is learning a great deal about our heritage and my kids are learning the history that all Italians and Italian-Americans should know. You will learn how Romans influenced all of Europe's modern legal systems, you will learn that the Great Seal of the U.S. is a very close copy of the Roman Republic's seal. In other chapters read how the Romans invented cement and how Italian Renaissance architects designed most of Russia's cathedrals and castles. Truly an AMAZING book - 20 great chapters on everything: Art, Fashion, Sports, Science and more.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good reference text, November 18, 2000

By 

"eggertdw" (Cupertino, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Golden Milestone: The Italian Heritage of Innovation and Contribution to Civilization - 4th Edition (Paperback)

. . This text was presented to me as a gift. It is a solid reference to the many accomplishments offered humanity by the Italian race and its descendants. Obviously, the author has a good deal of research invested in this work, however, certain points are blurred by his writing style.

Overall, this is a satisfactory read that serves as a good basis for more intense study of the Italian people. . .