Customer Reviews

Speak Italian: The Fine Art of the Gesture

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

 

 

This beautiful paperback is just over a hundred pages, but it packs a punch with the gorgeous black and white photo illustrations. Each is accompanied by text in both Italian and English explaining the technical aspects and the nuances of each gesture. This timeless guide was first published in 1958, and the 2005 re-release is a must-have for anyone studying Italian language and culture. (No vulgar gestures included.)

I bought this book because I thought I'd learn something new . The pictures are nice enough, & it being in both Italian & English (although not always precisely translated) is neat.
But most of the gestures are universal, not unique to Italy (the international signal for "check please" or "to read") which was a little dissapointing. The more Italian gestures are not well explained in terms of context, but are entertaining enough.
If I were to do it over again, I might buy the book but only for under $9

Take a black and white photo of an Italian gesture and provide a facing page in Italian and English which explains that hand gesture and you may just have the rudiments of learning 'street Italian' - and some of the sign language essential to speaking it. Some surprising subtleties exist here - as in the sign for 'agreement' - as well as some obvious new gestures - such as that for 'ok', an import. The result's funny and informative all in one package.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This was purchased more as a joke for Christmas for Mom who is 100% Italian.

It was a fun book and had lots of interesting information in it, as well.

This book cover it! Things I wanted to know for decades. Thanks!

CEC

I had bought this book for a friend who was going to Italy. And at this writing he's in Italy. He did love the book, and he took it with him. I bought it for him as a going away gift. It was the perfect gift for him. I'm sure he's getting a lot of use out of it.

Being Italian and giving this as a gift to family
was a hit at Christmas. Everone had a good laugh
and a memory to share! Bravo!

Perfect gift for the "jersey Shore" fan! This book is not exactly rated G....... but it is hysterical! If you visit Italy you notice the authenticity of the research that went into this book!

Speak Italian: The Fine Art of the Gesture by Bruno Munari is a funny, witty, book for any Italian collection. Whether you collect books or tiles this book is a great addition to your Italian home!

This was sopposed to be gift for Father's Day... not at all what we expected and definitly not worth the money!!! Thank god I got it on Amazon and not where I had originally seen it!