Luigi Barzini (1) (1908–1984)

A wonderful (and very Italian) book about Italy. Published in 1964 and a product of its time in that it was written in the shadow of the Second World War, and its author views that cataclysm through an Italian lens, as yet another Italian defeat and collapse for which (invariably) Italians themselves were responsible. An additional tragedy of that war, for Italy, was that its plight in WW2 was only part of a wider European inferno for which many countries were responsible. Particularly good show more on many things but especially the nature of the Baroque and its enduring influence in Italy and Europe generally. Also the fact that Europe has been obsessed with Italy for as long as Europe has existed. show less

A bit dated (1964) but an insightful and still relevant portrait of Italy and Italians, and still a valuable resource. Read as part of my deep dive into my Italian family roots

A lively account, mostly about European Italians. At the time there was a good deal of Mafiosi news floating about, and I was curious about what had been formed on the Peninsula in the wake of the Middle ages and Renaissance. It moved well.

Given its age one might expect this book to be dated; however, I believe it to the single best book for gaining insight into Italian temperment and culture. It is humorous and informative. Read it on your next flight to Italy, and when you land you will instantly be connecting what you see and hear with what you have read.