Customer Reviews

Italian Pride: 101 Reasons to Be Proud You're Italian

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend recommended this book and it has some interesting sections, but misses the mark in many areas. For example, many major works of art are missing and many important figures in Italian and Italian-American history.

I'm not Italian, but the book is a perfect gift for someone who is. The real beauty of the book is in its prose. The authors' genuine love of the Italian culture comes through in the poetry of the written word.

The authors give more than 101 reasons for "Italian Pride." From Amore{love| to Wine dozens of tidbits are here to wet the appetite for more in depth research. For that alone I give it 3 stars. I give it 4 overall because it paints a mosaic of all the myriad fields that Italians have contributed to. It is divided into four parts. "Culture & History, Places, People, & Food. Each part has twenty or more briefchapters of 2-4 pages.

Various topics of interest include "Scientists, Italian Jews, Soccer, Verona{the most Roman city outside of Rome}, Italian women like Maria Montessori, the fine composer Verdi, to the regional cultural & culinary styles. This will be a good introduction for those people unfamiliar with anything Italian, especially good for kids.

I found this book to be well written. Anyone wanting to get a general idea on what the Italian culture brought to us all will find this basic compilation quite useful. Its also a good coffee table addition.

I think I have ordered this book 3 times - once for myself and the other two for gifts.

At first I thought it was going to be a bit of a "fluff" piece - but it was exactly the oppisite!

It is a good read for Italians and non-Italians alike. Gave you a bit of history, people, food, etc, etc. and even a surprise or two.

in one word "Bellissimo!"

Caio!

(ps - great illustrations)

The recipes in this book really work. We all love Italians - their way of life and love. Who doesn't want to be Italian? The people in this book are Italian, the food is Italian and the cover even looks Tuscan.
Federico is Master of Prose and a true Cuciniere. I highly recomend this clever cook book and a look into a father and son that like avventura insieme ( venture together )

Daniel V

I first received this book as a gift from an American friend (I am Italian) and loved it. Its facts are accurate, it is well written and I enjoyed remembering the famous places, people and food mentioned here. I've now bought another copy for my daughter as a Christmas gift and I am sure she will love it, too.

Just what it says--101 reasons for italian pride. Topics range from food to cars to cinema. But it's what I didn't know that makes this book precious to me. For example, balsamic vinegar was a secret the Italians kept until the 1970's. Even though cheap imitations are available from many countries, the real stuff is produced in only 2 northern Italian regions--Modena and Reggio. Also, Commedia dell'Arte has influenced much comedy from Shakespeare to the Three Stooges to Saturday Night Live. Great job!

A fine balance of facts and fun. Good for the whole Families!

Although I've yet to read this book, I'm sure, like anything else Italian, this will appeal and please all the senses.