Against the backdrop of a Naples that is as seductive as it is perilous and a world undergoing epochal change, Elena Ferrante tells the story of a sixty-year friendship between the brilliant and bookish Elena and the fiery, rebellious Lila with unmatched honesty and brilliance.

    Only on successful completion of the journey to a prescribed route, will the car be hers…’Home-loving Laurie thinks she’s happy – she has a safe, reliable boyfriend and working in her local library is what she thought she always wanted. That is until she inherits a vintage Ferrari from her eccentric Uncle Miles and the conditions of the inheritance are far from simple. To keep the car Laurie will have to drive across Europe with the gorgeous but unreliable Cameron Matthews as her guide… and Cam’s motives for helping are not all that altruistic.Cam isn’t particularly thrilled about escorting his late pal Miles’ dull mouse of a niece on this wild goose chase but all he has to do is get Laurie safely to Italy and he’s sure the Ferrari is his.But Uncle Miles had a few tricks up his sleeve and the route he’s planned takes Cam and Laurie on a road trip they’ll never forget. From sampling the delights of the Loire Valley to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Garda, this is one journey that has more twists and turns than either of them could ever have imagined…

    The irresistibly romantic new novel from Jo Thomas, award-winning author of ebook runaway bestseller THE OYSTER CATCHER.It's amazing what you can buy online these days:MemorabiliaFashion accessoriesA crumbling Italian farmhouse...After a Prosecco-fuelled girls' night in gets out of hand, Ruthie Collins awakes to discover that she has bid for her dream Italian home online - and won. Recently out of a relationship, a new start is just what Ruthie needs. Anything is better than sleeping on her mum's settee.But arriving in Southern Italy, Ruthie doesn't know the first thing about running an olive farm. And with new neighbours, the tempestuous Marco Bellanouvo and his fiery family to contend with, all Ruthie wants is to go back home.Life can change with the click of a mouse. But all good things - friendship, romance, and even the olive harvest - take time to grow. Can Ruthie finally put the past to rest and find her own piece of the Dolce Vita along the way?

    As a shepherdess in sixteenth-century Italy, Virginia’s possibilities are doubly limited by her peasant class and her gender. Yet while she tends her flock, Virginia is captivated by the daring equestrian feats of the high-spirited Isabella de’ Medici, who rides with the strength and courage of any man, much to the horror of her brother, the tyrannical Gran Duca Francesco de’ Medici.Inspired, the young shepherdess keeps one dream close to her heart: to race in Siena’s Palio. Twenty-six years after Florence captured Siena, Virginia’s defiance will rally the broken spirit of the Senese people and threaten the pernicious reign of the Gran Duca. Bringing alive the rich history of one of Tuscany’s most famed cities, this lush, captivating saga draws an illuminating portrait of one girl with an unbreakable spirit.

    When Michelle Damiani dreamed of living in Italy, she imagined her family as it was in Virginia—her husband filling every moment with work, her teenage son experimenting with sarcasm, her daughter smiling at the scent of lilacs, her baby-cheeked son methodically clicking Legos together, and herself hovering over the happiness of them all—only surrounded by ancient cobblestone alleys and the sound of ringing Italian. What she didn’t know was how Italy would work to change them all.Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center is the profoundly moving story of Michelle and her family’s adaptation to the people and culture of Spello, Italy.Part searingly-honest memoir, part celebration of Umbrian life, Il Bel Centro is a page-turner with a beating heart. Michelle Damiani brings fresh perspective to the American-abroad story, and creates a sense of place so authentic that readers feel they, too, have strolled the pink-hued alleys of Spello alongside the Damiani family.Vivid descriptions evoke the pleasures of medieval village life, from the scent of almond pastries curling into morning fog, to olive trees tossing glints of silver into the achingly blue sky.At once hilarious and wise, this spellbinding journey will feed your soul and your wanderlust. Il Bel Centro will sweep you into the heart of Italy, where for bakers, pants are optional, and a good lunch will take you straight through till dinner."I was not prepared for Italy.Luckily, Italy was waiting for me anyway."Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center includes recipes for delicious Umbrian dishes as well as professional-quality photographs.Amazon Bestseller in Italian Travel“Top 10 Fascinating Books about Living in a Foreign Country” —Huffington Post“I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.”“A magical read.”“This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.”“I could smell the freshly baked bread, taste the local wine, and if I closed my eyes I could easily see the sloping hills, the pink stones of Spello, the ‘alley ladies’ with their basket of vegetables to sort and their easy chatter.” “One of the best travel books I have ever read.”“I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging and entertaining. I feel like I lived this story right alongside Michelle, Keith and their children and cats. I am so sad their time in Spello came to an end.”“Michelle Damiani has the gift of a writer who actually takes you into the place she is writing about.”“This book made me want to pack my bags.”“I so enjoyed reading Michelle Damiani's tumbling expedition into the heart of Italy which brought her and her family into the heart of their own evolving lives.”“Could not put it down.”“I just want more.”

    But she refuses to let that stop her from living her dreams and begins sneaking out of her family's palazzo under the cover of night to take violin lessons from virtuoso violinist and composer Antonio Vivaldi. However, what begins as secret lessons swiftly evolves into a passionate, consuming love affair.Adriana's father is intent on seeing her married to a wealthy, prominent member of Venice's patrician class-and a handsome, charming suitor, whom she knows she could love, only complicates matters-but Vivaldi is a priest, making their relationship forbidden in the eyes of the Church and of society. They both know their affair will end upon Adriana's marriage, but she cannot anticipate the events that will force Vivaldi to choose between her and his music. The repercussions of his choice-and of Adriana's own choices-will haunt both of their lives in ways they never imagined.Spanning more than 30 years of Adriana's life, Alyssa Palombo's The Violinist of Venice is a story of passion, music, ambition, and finding the strength to both fall in love and to carry on when it ends.

    When war arrives Freddie returns to England to become the pilot of a Lancaster bomber. Oskar, now a dancer, has moved to Paris where he escapes the 1942 roundup of Jews and arrives in Italy with his young daughter Esme. Isabella remains in Florence where she continues to paint. Until she is called upon by Maestro to forge an old master painting, apparently at the behest of the Führer himself, and as a result is seen as a Nazi collaborator by her neighbours. The murderous skies over Germany and a war-torn Italy in the grip of Nazi occupation provide the setting for this novel about the love of a separated husband and his wife and the love of a man for his young daughter. Freddie and Oskar both hope to find their way back to Florence. But Florence’s heritage of preserving the identity and continuity of the past has never before been so under threat.

    His brutal successor Hadrian draws ever nearer to Rome. And three desperate souls try to forge new paths in a world turned upside down . . . THE EMPEROR’S NEMESIS. Battered warrior Vix has always been Hadrian’s bitter enemy, and he vows that will never change, even when he is made Praetorian Guard and Imperial watchdog. But with his family’s lives on the line, Vix faces a bitter choice: kill a friend, or serve a foe? THE EMPEROR’S RIVAL. Mild, scholarly Titus might once have been favored as Imperial heir, but he never wanted the throne. All he desires is peace in the arms of his new bride—but the jealous Hadrian has other ideas. A horror of bloodshed and violence interrupts Titus’s wedding night, and the man of peace finds a choice at sword-point: honor and death, or betrayal and a cell? THE EMPEROR’S WIFE. Elegant, elusive Sabina is desperate to escape the bleak future that awaits her as Hadrian’s Empress, and even more desperate to conceal the secret growing in her own body. But when she begs a famous seer for a glimpse into her future, she receives an astonishing vision of the Eternal City under Hadrian’s rule, and the new Empress must choose: her own freedom, or the glory of Rome? Three former friends find new futures in blood, omen, and prophecy. Three prequel vignettes to Kate Quinn’s long-awaited "Lady of the Eternal City."

    Far from home and her children, she must care for Michael who is recovering from a stroke. A man she loves deeply. A man who has been unfaithful to her.Alone and in need of distraction, Sam decides to pick up Michael’s research into the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Immersing herself in the ancient city, she begins to piece together the mystery behind the creation of the tower, and discovers the woman who history forgot…Pisa, 1171Berta di Bernardo, the wife of a rich merchant, sits in her chamber, dressing for a dinner party. A gathering that will change the course of her life and a young master mason, Gerardo, forever. A strong, intelligent woman, Berta’s passion for architecture also draws her closer to Gerardo. As she embarks on a love affair, her maid Aurelia also becomes spellbound by the same man. Yet for Berta, her heart’s desire is to see the Tower built, and her determination knows no bounds…A richly drawn and absorbing novel of passion and power, love and redemption that will captivate fans of Victoria Hislop, Tracy Chevalier and Kate Furnivall.

    In Rome, the spirited portrait artist channels her creativity into the art of survival for herself and her young daughter. Unwilling to merely endure, and armed with ingenuity, wit, and unyielding optimism, she enters the shadow world of the Resistance where she zigzags through a labyrinth of compassionate allies and cunning spies.Meanwhile, Lidia Corsini, Angelina's sister-in-law, quenches her lust for power and wealth by turning in Jews to the ruthless Nazi Police attaché with whom she has formed an alliance. Her spiral into immorality accelerates as swiftly as the Jewish population dwindles, and soon neither her husband nor her son is immune to her madness.Once Angelina discovers the consequences of Lidia’s greed, she conspires to put an end to the treacheries; but in doing so, she becomes the target of Lidia’s most sinister plot.Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is a story of betrayal, dignity, and purpose that highlights the brutality toward Italian citizens, under both Mussolini’s Fascist regime and the Nazi occupation, and illustrates the tenacity of the human spirit.

    The research and text are by Ross King (best-selling author), Anja Grebe (author or The Louvre and The Vatican), Cristina Acidini (former Superintendent of the public museums of Florence) and Msgr. Timothy Verdon (Director of the artworks for the Archdiocese of Florence).

    But when she finds herself on a rainy street, soaked to the bone and with only a cheating boyfriend and a dead-end job keeping her in town, she knows something has to change. Which is what leads her to Iddlescombe Manor, to be companion to Lady Victoria Chalker-Pyne – the only 25 year old Katie’s ever met who hasn’t heard of Twitter, thinks camisoles are de rigueur, and desperately needs an education in the 21st century!…to the Tuscan sun!But it wouldn’t be an education without a summer holiday – and where better than Tuscany? Decamping to Victoria’s family villa, it’s soon clear that the valley really does have it all: sun, sea…and some seriously gorgeous neighbours. The only question is: when the weather’s this hot, the wine is this smooth and the local men are this irresistible…will Katie ever want to make the journey home?

    Instead of pausing to look up every word, you’ll absorb new vocabulary from the context of the story, and have the satisfaction of that moment when you say: “I totally understood that sentence!” Carefully written Italian, using straightforward grammar that is comprehensible for beginner and intermediate level learners, so that you can enjoy reading and learn new grammatical structures without the feeling of overwhelm and frustration that you get from other books. Plenty of natural dialogues in each story, so that you can learn conversational Italian whilst you read, and improve your speaking ability at the same time! Regular plot summaries, comprehension questions and word reference lists, so that help is always on hand when you need it. You’ll be able to focus on enjoying reading and having fun, rather than fumbling around with dictionaries and struggling through dense text with no support. A five-step plan for reading the stories in this book the smart way. This detailed introductory chapter gives you specific, step-by-step instructions for effective reading in Italian, so that you know exactly how to make the most out of the book and maximise your learning! Italian Short Stories for Beginners has been written especially for students from beginner to intermediate level (A1-B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference). The eight captivating stories are designed to give you a sense of achievement and a feeling of progress when reading. You’ll finally be able to enjoy reading in Italian, grow your vocabulary in a natural way, and improve your comprehension at the same time. Based on extensive research into how people most enjoy and benefit from reading in a new language, this book eliminates all the frustrations you have experienced when trying to read in Italian: Dull topics that are no fun to read Books so long you never reach the end Endless chapters that make you want to give up Impenetrable grammar that frustrates you at every turn Complex vocabulary that leaves you with your head buried in the dictionary Instead, you can just concentrate on what you came for in the first place - enjoying reading and having fun! If you’re learning Italian and enjoy reading, this is the book you need to rekindle your passion for the language and take your Italian to the next level! So what are you waiting for? Scroll up and grab your copy now!

    Eating Rome, based on her popular blog Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome, is her homage to the city that feeds her, literally and figuratively. Her story is a personal, quirky and deliciously entertaining look at some of the city's monuments to food culture. Join her as she takes you on a stroll through her favorite open air markets; stop by the best gelato shops; order plates full of carbonara and finish the day with a brilliant red Negroni. Coffee, pizza, artichokes and grappa are starting points for mouth-watering stories about this ancient city. Illustrated with Minchilli's beautiful full-color photos and enriched with her favorite recipes for Roman classics like vignarola, carciofi alla romana and carbonara, Eating Rome is the book that you want if you are planning your first trip to Rome or if you have been to Rome a dozen times. And even if you just want to spend a few hours armchair traveling, Elizabeth Minchilli is the person you want by your side.

    However, he doesn’t always want to share, and because of that, he may miss out on having fun. Let’s find out what it means to share, and why it makes us feel better! Free video-book gift inside! Scroll up and buy this eBook now - your children will love going back to this picture book again and again.

    But when Ella passes away and Liz finds a cameo locket with a marriage proposal engraved inside (from a man who was not her grandfather), she realizes that sometimes a person's secrets are discovered only after they're gone. On top of losing Ella, Liz's career as a jewelry designer is stagnant and her love life lacks sparkle, too. When she reconnects with the one who got away, Liz thinks maybe things are finally starting to look up. But after a few drinks and a trip down a flight of stairs, Liz wakes up to realize the cameo is gone. Her ex offers to look for it, but so does Justin, the intriguing new guy in her apartment building. While dealing with her feelings for two very different men and generally trying to reinvent her mess of a life, Liz finds answers and solace in Ella's diary. The story of the cameo, and the relationship between her grandmother and great-grandmother, an outspoken socialite from Italy, inspires Liz to grow up and accept responsibility for her missteps. Eventually she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the promise of something better.

    Buon appetite!' - Jamie OliverWhatever your ability in the kitchen, pasta is often a staple mid-week supper. This book will help to re-vamp your repertoire. It's full of delicious, simple, seasonal recipes such as:- Wild Rocket & Pecorino Orecchiette- Summer Vegetable Cappellacci- Autumnal Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle - Wintery Game Ragu- Gennaro's take on classic favourites such as Carbonara and Bolognese.If you really want to be adventurous, there is always the option to learn about making pasta from scratch, but the recipes are equally tasty with dried pasta.

    love. Chickens Eat Pasta is the tale of how a young Englishwoman starts a new life after watching a video showing a chicken eating spaghetti in a mediaeval hill village in central Italy. “Here I was, 26 years old, alone and numb with boredom at the prospect of a future which until recently had seemed to be just what I wanted.” Unlike some recent bestsellers, this is not simply an account of a foreigner’s move to Italy, but a love story written from the unusual perspective of both within and outside of the story. As events unfold, the strong storyline carries with it a rich portrayal of Italian life from the inside, with a supporting cast of memorable characters. Along the way, the book explores and captures the warmth and colour of Italy, as well as some of the cultural differences – between England and Italy, but also between regional Italian lifestyles and behaviour. It is a story with a happy ending. The author and her husband are still married, with three children, who love the old house on the hill (now much restored) almost as much as she does. Chickens Eat Pasta is Clare’s autobiography, and ultimately a love story – with the house itself and with the man that Clare met there and went on to marry. If you yearn for a happy ending, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a story that proves anything is possible if you only try.

     Rina Lynne has never traveled far from Morehead City, North Carolina. So when she inherits her father’s secret stash, she’s ready to kick up her heels and go adventuring before she settles down to marry her long-time fiancé. First stop, Italy. Enter Tony (aka Anton), an engineering geek conned into helping his Israeli cousins as a sort-of spy. From the moment he meets Rina, he’s distracted, which is not a good idea when there’s already been murder and theft. And from the moment Rina meets Tony, she’s fascinated, which is also not a good idea. He’s an Arab-American, and she’s half-Jewish. And engaged. And then there are all those bodies dropping around them, each linked to the gathering storm in the Middle East.

    Celebrated graphic designer and self-described Italophile Louise Fili, with connoisseur of all things Lisa Apatoff, takes you on eight walks through Florence, discussing more than seventy of the city's most alluring shops—some run by the same families for generations, others offering young entrepreneurs' fresh interpretations of traditional techniques.Discerning travelers will discover rare books and charming hats; vintage Pucci and handmade shoes; cioccolata da bere (drinkable chocolate); colorful buttons; and bolts of rich silk fabric in this enchanting introduction to makers and purveyors of clothing, home decor, accessories, specialty foods, and much more. For each shop, there is a full-color photo, description of specialties, and information on location and hours of operation.

    Murray Bodo. Enter Assisi takes you on a journey through the gates of the city, where you will discover in your own life the way to follow Jesus as St. Francis did. The walls of the medieval town surround a place where your imagination can explore spiritual holy ground.Picture the daring midnight journey of St. Clare through the streets to the Moiano gate and down to St. Mary of the Angels, where Francis and his brothers welcomed her into a new way of life. Spend time in the caves of the Carceri, reflecting on the gift of solitude. Meet twentieth-century residents of Assisi who have absorbed the Franciscan spirit and seek to impart it to others.Fr. Murray Bodo draws on over three decades of leading pilgrimages in Assisi to bring the home of St. Francis to life in the words of a poet and spiritual director.

    But when she flies to Sicily for a friend’s wedding, she accidentally falls in love with one of the groom's three-hundred cousins. She plucks up the courage to leave her family, friends, and job, and move to a fishing village in northern Sicily with a population of about two hundred people (several of whom do still have their own teeth). First, her rosary-flailing Mother-in-law, who owns a spaghetti pan big enough to boil Silvio Berlusconi, throws down the gauntlet: Can Veronica live up to the standards of a Sicilian housewife? Next, the builder of Veronica's seaside dream villa drops in with a hammer, threatening the house will collapse on her unless she pays him more money “to finish it properly”. Can Veronica solve her problems by pitching one adversary against another? Join her on an unpredictable journey of hilarity, reckless driving and dangerously large portions of spaghetti in this almost true travel-novel, for people who need more belly-laughs.

    At this intimate, hospitable restaurant on Staten Island, all the cooking is done by ten nonnas (grandmothers), drawing on their own family recipes, handed down for generations, which reflect their regional traditions. Here are their delicious homemade pastas, risottos, desserts, and more, which have foodies from all over the world taking the ferry to the forgotten borough for an authentic taste of Italy. Beautiful full-color photography captures the fresh, distinctive flavors of these surprising dishes. Nonna Cristina shares her beautiful Risotto with Strawberries, Black Pepper, and Parmesan; Nonna Margherita offers delectable Stuffed Peppers with Pine Nuts and Raisins; and Nonna Teresa shows off her prize-winning Meat and Cheese Lasagna. Nonna Elvira whips up her peerless Linguine with Cuttlefish and Ink; Adelina creates a savory Tagliatelle with Pumpkin, Sausage, and Chestnuts; and Rosaria makes handmade Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Cherry Tomatoes and Porcini Mushrooms. Nonna Carmelina shares her classic Potato Pie with Ham, Salami, and Mozzarella; Rosa confides her nonna’s secret recipe for Rabbit with Sage; and Nina sautés Chicken alla Capricciosa, with prosciutto and mushrooms. Nonna Francesca launches the book with advice on the time-honored art of preserving everything from olives to soppressata. With its utterly delicious tastes of grandmother’s kitchen, Nonna’s House is a legacy of flavors passed down through generations, now captured here forever. Restaurant founder Jody Scaravella says it best: “If I have a choice between a three-star Michelin chef’s restaurant and Grandma’s, I’m going to Grandma’s. I’m going to the source.”

    She has recently suffered the loss of her mother. Serene surroundings, a warm welcome and the attentions of a handsome local named Luca help her come to terms with her loss. Then someone from her past shows up and turns everything on its head. Juliet finds herself in the middle of a conflict that threatens to tear the fabric of village life.

     Leaving Italy at the age of twenty-three, she moved to Philadelphia with her husband and young daughter. Once there, she established herself in her neighborhood and community as a wonderful neighbor, parishioner, friend…and a terrific cook of homemade Italian specialties. In her debut cookbook, Costantini collects her tried-and-true recipes for Italian favorites in one place, sharing them with anyone who has an interest in making phenomenal meals for the people they love. She includes easy-to-follow recipes for all the Italian classics, including antipasto, pasta, breads, pizza, main dishes, and desserts. And unlike many fussy, complicated recipes that rely on specialized ingredients and techniques, Costantini’s rustic, authentic recipes call for only fresh, simple ingredients available at local markets. Her clear writing allows even novice cooks to bring the old-world charm of the Italian countryside to their home dining room tables.

    Walled in next to a chapel for 14 years; abandoned by her parents at a shrine, she grew in virtue and fame. Her body remains incorrupt. One of the most inspiring stories we have ever read!

    Blood from an angry-looking gash on the young lord’s cheek dripped onto his embroidered tunic. Andreas clutched the handles of the basket containing the young peregrine. Perhaps this was a dream— Andreas, an apprentice falconer at Castle Kragenberg, cannot bear the thought of killing the young female falcon and smuggles her out of the castle. Soon he realizes that his own time there has come to an end, and he stows away, with the bird, in the cart of an itinerant trader, Richard of Brugge. So begins a series of adventures that lead him from an obscure castle in northern Germany to the farthest reaches of Frederick von Hohenstaufen’s Holy Roman Empire, following a path dictated by the wily trader’s mysterious mission. Andreas continues to improve his falconry skills, but he also learns to pay attention to what is happening around him as he travels through areas fraught with political unrest. Eventually, Richard confides in Andreas, and they conspire to free Enzio, the eldest of the emperor’s illegitimate sons, from imprisonment in Bologna. The Falconer’s Apprentice is a story of adventure and intrigue set in the intense social and political unrest of the Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth century.

    But selecting which wallet or jacket to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, made locally and in a traditional way? How do you determine if you've fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps? ˃˃˃ Buyer Beware: Florence is full of tourist traps and knockoffs passed off as authentic. Do you know how to tell the treasures from the trash? In Florence, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. This is true now more than ever before, as increasing numbers of souvenirs flood into Venice, imported from overseas and passed off as authentic. There is no substitute for an educated buyer. Laura Morelli leads you to the city's most authentic arts--the centuries-old trades of leather working, wood turning, silk spinning, and other traditions. Wouldn't you rather support authentic Florentine master artisans than importers looking to turn a quick profit without any connection to Florence at all? ˃˃˃ Florence boasts some of the most famous artistic traditions in the world. Here's what you need to know about them. Laura Morelli leads you beyond the souvenir shops for an immersive cultural experience that you won't find in any other guidebook. This indispensable guide includes practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Packed with useful information on pricing, quality, and value, and with a comprehensive resource guide, Laura Morelli s Authentic Arts: Florence is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to bring home the unique traditions of the birthplace of the Renaissance.Artisans of Florence is the companion to this book, bringing you inside the workshops of several dozen of the most accomplished makers of Florentine fabrics, leather and silk, frames, gold, paper, stationery, and other treasures. Put both books together and you'll be the most knowledgable traveler in Florence! ˃˃˃ "Laura Morelli has set out to make you an expert in handmade crafts." --American Style Magazine Laura Morelli, an art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you to the best of Florence's most traditional arts. Laura Morelli's Authentic Arts series is the only travel guide series on the market that takes you beyond the museums and tourist traps to make you an educated buyer--maybe even a connoisseur--of Florentine leather, ceramics of the Amalfi Coast, Parisian hats, Venetian glass, the handmade quilts of Provence, and more treasures.If you're using Rick Steves, Frommers, Lonely Planet, or similar guides, pick up a copy of Laura Morelli's guide too, and you'll be sure to come home with the best of Florence in your suitcase. Follow the link inside this book to get a free copy of the companion guide, Laura Morelli's Artisans of Florence. Scroll up and grab a copy today!

    Entrenched in a terrible war with the Turks and caught in a political struggle between power-hungry Pope Alexander VI and the newly elected Doge Loredan, the people of Venice fear that a demon has come to exact divine punishment for their sins.Doge Loredan is determined to find the real culprit before the Pope can turn the people against him. To do so, he hires unorthodox German monk Mathias to investigate the murders. Soon Lorenzo Scarpa, a young printer and nephew to one of the victims, joins in the search. The mystery leads them into Venice’s underground printing industry, where they learn of a dangerous book hidden somewhere in the city, a book whose secrets could determine the destiny of the Republic—a book that others are more than willing to kill for.

    The Silver Pigs: Marcus Didius Falco, a private informer with a knack for trouble, a tendency for bad luck, and a frequently incovenient drive for justice, encounters the young and very pretty Sosia Camillina in the Forum. Immediately he senses that something is amiss. When she confesses that she is fleeing for her life, Falco offers to help her and, in doing so, he gets himself mixed up in a deadly plot involving stolen ingots, dangerous and dark political machinations, and, most hazardous of all, one Helena Justina, a brash, indominable senator's daughter who is connected to the very traitors that Falco has sworn to expose. Shadows in Bronze: It's the first century CE in Rome and informer and occasional imperial agent Marcus Didius Falco is miserable. The high-born woman he fell in love with, Helena Justina, has broken off their stormy, impossible affair. So when Emperor Vespasian assigns Falco a task that will take him out of Rome, he can't wait. Disguised as vacationer in the company of his comrade Petronius Longus, captain of the Aventine Watch, Falco travels south to Neapolis, Capreae and Pompeii where he discovers a conspiracy involving the Egyptian grain shipment to Rome. He also stumbles across Helena Justina, conveniently also on a trip out of town, who might, unwittingly, be enmeshed in this dangerous, treasonous scheme. Venus in Copper: A small accounting error has left Falco briefly sharing a cell with a large rat in the notorious Lautumiae prison. Being bailed out by his mother is bad enough, and things go from bad to worse when a group of nouveau riche ex-slaves hire him to outwit a fortune-hunting redhead. This woman's husbands have a habit of dying "accidently." And, all the while, Falco tries to convince Helena Justina to live with him, a dangerous proposition, given the notorius instability of Roman real estate. In a case of murder as complicated as he ever faced, this classic tale shows Falco at his very finest.

    This book explores the depths of one of the most difficult aspects of Italian grammar: the subjunctive! While many Italians claim that this verb mood (remember, the subjunctive is a mood made up of four tenses) is dead, the authors of this book believe that it is still alive and well and want to make sure that students of Italian know not only how to conjugate the four tenses of the subjunctive but also when, where and why it needs to be used and used correctly! This short guide should help you conquer your fears of the Italian subjunctive and help you to use it with more confidence! In bocca al lupo!

    But the turbulent politics of 1944 refuses to let them be. As Tito and his Yugoslav Army threaten their German-held town of Fiume, Ettore finds himself on a list for execution and running for his life. His wife and children must also flee. Ettore and Contessa’s battle to find each other, and the struggle of their family and friends to rebuild their lives, provide a rich and varied account of displaced people in war-torn Europe. What can you do when you have nowhere left to call home? Port of No Return considers this question and more in a novel that is full of action, pain and laughter -- a journey you will want to see through to the very end.

    Join Gino on his trip to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia on a journey of discovery of authentic and delicious Italian food.Delving into the gastronomic history of these islands he will uncover the signature dishes, and secret recipes that encapsulate Sicily and Sardinia and their people.With over 100 mouth-watering recipes - using fresh ingredients and regional specialities - Gino's Islands in the Sun will reveal the culinary secrets of these Mediterranean islands.

    Slow cooking draws out flavours and softens the texture of food to create delicious, impressive, often inexpensive meals with little fuss. There are casseroles and one-pots that slowly simmer to perfection, roasts that tenderize in the oven, soups that quietly bubble away on the hob, puddings such as meringues and fruit compotes, and breads that bake to light perfection. Gennaro is a traditional, rural Italian cook. He uses lots of inexpensive cuts of meat, as well as beans and pulses, which all benefit from slow cooking, so there is plenty for the thrifty home cook to choose from. This is classic Italian food, such as Roast leg of lamb with baby onions, Rich Tyrolean beef goulash, Lasagne and Meringue with zabaglione cream and custard, that takes the hard work out of preparing supper.

    The first English bio of the ambitious and incomparable printer Giambattista Bodoni (1740-1813). Born to a printing family in the small town of Saluzzo, he left his comfortable life to travel to Rome in 1758 where he served as an apprentice of Cardinal Spinelli. There, under the sponsorship of Ruggieri, his close friend, mentor, and protector, he learned all aspects of the craft. Even then, his real genius, lay in type design and punchcutting, especially of the exotic foreign alphabets needed by the papal office to spread the faith. His life changed when at age 28 he was invited by the Duke of Parma to establish and direct the ducal press. He remained in Parma, overseeing a vast variety of printing, much of it glorious. And all of it making use of the typefaces he personally designed and engraved.

    There, while working on a film, Goliarda encounters the captivating Erica, a beautiful widow called "Princess" by the locals, who has been the object of much speculation. As the two women grow closer in spite of their different personalities, they gradually reveal more about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and the ghosts from their pasts that continue to hang over them.Writing the story of their transformative friendship thirty years later, Goliarda offers a profound reflection on love in its many forms, and opens a window onto an enchanting time and place that lingers in the mind. And this unlikely bond, forged between a leftist idealist and a traditional aristocrat, acts as a microcosm of Italy, illuminating its complex, competing impulses.

    She always thought she was a good singer, even when her brothers teased her that she could not sing.When Leona sang for the first time in her high school choir class, she began to realize her voice might be something special. With the help of Mrs. Priebe, the choir director, Leona stepped into the world of opera. She went from a good singer to an opera star, traveling the world, sprinkling her sparkle on audiences everywhere, including the Prince's Palace in Monaco.Reader's will delight in Leona Mitchell's story as they follow her from Enid to the stars.

    With stocks of wine and bread depleted, they pass the time squabbling over scraps, debating who will eat the other first. Spring brings a more sinister discovery that threatens to break Adelmo Farandola's already faltering grip on reality: a man's foot poking out of the receding snow.

    A return to the simple abundance of Italy’s past!Ah, if only it were true. If there was a glorious yesteryear of Italian feasting, it was enjoyed only by society’s elite. As for standard, rustic fare, such meals bore little resemblance to what is now considered—even in Italy—traditional Italian food.Determined to uncover the true roots of Italian cuisine and reveal its intriguing yet uncelebrated past, food historian Karima Moyer-Nocchi interviewed Italian "ninetysomething" women from various walks of life, from charcoal-makers to countesses. Her travels spanned from the far north to the deep south, as well as Italy's former landholdings. All of the interviewees had lived through the harrowing years called the Ventennio fascista, the twenty-year reign of fascism in Italy, and were eager to have their final say.What follows are eighteen remarkable oral narratives, each building upon the last to create a mosaic of Italian foodways, from the fascist era through to the post World War II boom, the “Dolce Vita.” Each woman contributes a recipe chosen specifically to reflect what food was like when she was growing up under Mussolini. The narratives are separated by astringent, yet entertaining essay briefs, illuminating various aspects of gastronomic history and daily life in fascist Italy.Engrossingly entertaining, Chewing the Fat gently debunks the myths of Italy’s gastronomic nostalgia industry, revealing a culture of food that is surprisingly different from the image most people have of Italian cuisine."A remarkable insight into the realities of Italian food. This book lays bare the multiple dimensions of Italian gastronomy: geography, politics, social background, education and economics. It is an eloquent dissection of the nuances of the world’s favorite cooking as well as a magical exercise in memory. A brilliant reconstruction of the kitchens and cookery (and much else besides) of a previous generation."-Tom Jaine, Food writer, publisher, critic, and restaurateur

    You’ll have the knowledge you need to truly appreciate everything you see on your trip! Italy: A Travel Guide Through Its Beauty of History, Archaeology and Italian Cuisine is available for Download Now. This book describes the Italian towns and cities you simply must visit: Rome Venice Verona Arqua Petrarca Padua and many more! Read this book for FREE on Kindle Unlimited - Order Now! Are you looking forward to the beaches and islands of Italy?If so, this book explains each in detail and lets you know which ones are right for young couples, families, history buffs, and more! You’ll also learn about the spas of Venice and the Alps, popular heritage sites and festivals, and the best of Italian shopping!When you download this book, you’ll also get a FREE in-depth Preview of China: A Travel Guide to Make the Most Out of Your Journey in China by seeing China’s History, Attractions and Restaurants!You’ll even learn how to indulge in the finest of Italian cuisine! Download Italy: A Travel Guide Through Its Beauty of History, Archaeology and Italian Cuisine Now for Instant Reading by Scrolling Up and Clicking the "Buy" Button. Happy Reading and Good Luck!

    "Sleepwalking into a New World" takes a bold new look at how these autonomous city-states came about, and fundamentally alters our understanding of one of the most important political and cultural innovations of the medieval world.Chris Wickham provides richly textured portraits of three cities Milan, Pisa, and Rome and sets them against a vibrant backcloth of other towns. He argues that, in all but a few cases, the elites of these cities and towns developed one of the first nonmonarchical forms of government in medieval Europe, unaware that they were creating something altogether new. Wickham makes clear that the Italian city commune was by no means a democracy in the modern sense, but that it was so novel that outsiders did not know what to make of it. He describes how, as the old order unraveled, the communes emerged, governed by consular elites chosen by the people, and subject to neither emperor nor king. They regularly fought each other, yet they grew organized and confident enough to ally together to defeat Frederick Barbarossa, the German emperor, at the Battle of Legnano in 1176."Sleepwalking into a New World" reveals how the development of the autonomous city-state took place, which would in the end make possible the robust civic culture of the Renaissance."

    And you are given enough information and tips to make up your own unique travel plans or you can just sit back, relax and replicate Paul and Kiki’s easy-to-follow vacation plans in this book. Paul and Kiki take you on an Italian vacation through Rome, Tivoli, Naples, Florence, and Pisa. This guide has included all the information you need on where to stay and eat, how to get around, where to shop, where to go and what to see. They also include where not to go (which is very important as you will see when you read this book) and information on what to do and who to contact in case of emergencies. And being seasoned world travelers who have taken a number of guests with them on several trips, they understand the information and important tips that are needed by those people who are not highly familiar with traveling to Italy. Paul and Kiki give you information that you do not want to miss on some of the best deals to look for that will save you money in food and other expenses while on your vacation.

    His fiancée, Nicoletta, prays for his safety. Gianni, swept from his fishing boat, is rescued by a mermaid who whips the water into a length of elegant lace, which she gives to Gianni for Nicoletta’s wedding veil. This gorgeously illustrated tale recounts the mythical origins of Burano lace, whose production has long been a vital part of the island’s economy and vibrant culture, ensuring the islanders would never go hungry. The lace is still famed throughout the world for its scalloped, wave-like patterns.

    In most of the early modern period, jurisdiction in Italy relating to witchcraft rested with the Roman Inquisition, whereas in Denmark only the secular courts raised trials. Kallestrup explores the condemnation and narratives of witchcraft as they were presented by people involved in the trials in a Roman-Catholic and Danish-Lutheran context, and ties together the diverse research traditions of Italian and Danish witchcraft scholarship. Agents of Witchcraft is divided into three sections, beginning with an analysis of the learned and legal understandings of witchcraft, and proceeding with an examination of how the people on trial understood the term 'witchcraft'. Finally, the book ends by looking at the encounter of beliefs between the defendant and the judge.

    Here one of Sicily's most popular historians introduces seventeen women of varied backgrounds who defied convention to make their mark in the annals of the complex history of the world's most conquered island.Meet a timeless sisterhood of pious Roman maidens, steadfast Sicilian queens, and a Jewish mother who confronted the horrors of the Inquisition. Theirs are inspiring stories of the courage of conviction bursting forth to overcome the challenges of adversity. The lengthier ten biographies constitute full chapters, while seven are concise sketches of a few paragraphs each.In addition to these profiles - most of these women lived before 1500 - the author presents a general survey and chronology of Sicilian history. Significantly, the book treats Sicily as the sovereign nation most of these women knew, and not as a 'region' of the unified Italy or a tiny piece of Europe. The chronology (timeline) reaches into the present century, and there's an appendix dedicated to Sicilian women today.Until now, biographies of Sicilian women written in English (as the original language) have been the work of foreign authors. This one is a milestone, the first book about the historical women of Sicily written in English by a Sicilian woman in Sicily. It reflects a special passion and an astute understanding of its subject.Some of the information is the result of original (scholarly) research, and a few facts were garnered from unique sources. The chapter on Queen Maria Sophia of the Two Sicilies, who died in 1925, is the lengthiest treatment of her ever published in English, and it was based in part on an unpublished interview with somebody who knew the Queen, namely her niece, the late Princess Urraca. Living links of this kind are precious in historical writing.While the concise overview of the status of women in twenty-first century Sicily is provided merely for the benefit of readers who wish to compare the past and present, the pages dedicated to that topic are a rare occurrence in book publishing, especially in English. Here the author's statements are based on facts and statistics rather than anecdotes or stereotypes. It is clear that she knows her subject.With its chronology and reading list, this volume is useful as a reference, but its narrative makes for an interesting read. Jackie Alio is an insightful author, one of Sicily's most talented historians, and this book was long overdue.

    This creativity extended far beyond the visual arts and architecture: dress history, dance history, food history, ritual and ceremonial all contributed to this vibrant rebirth.Virginia Cox here explores the material and economic output of the period, from the late 13th to the 16th century, when Italy led the world in painting, building, science, literature and music. As the medieval period exploded into a new era of self-confidence, a rediscovery of classical authors and their philosophical principles coincided with the political and economic rise of Florence, especially under the powerful Medici princes, and the later ascendancy of Venice and Rome. But the Renaissance enjoyed a rich regionality beyond these familiar centres. The author thus explores the arts in Milan, Ferrara, Mantua, Urbino and even Naples.Cox examines too the impact of rhetoric and performance on key texts like Machiavelli’s The Prince and Castiglione’s Book of the Courtier, as well as the role of women, both as patrons of the arts and creative artists in their own right. ‘Renaissance woman’, Cox boldly argues, is as important a legacy as ‘Renaissance man’.

    And she imagined her mother, successful in her new life and eager to embrace the daughter she had never forgotten. But when Ye Pei arrives in Italy, she learns her mother works on a farm far from the city. Her only connection, a mean-spirited Chinese auntie, puts Ye Pei to work in a small-town cafe. Rather than giving up and returning to China, a determined Ye Pei takes on a grueling schedule, resolving to save enough money to provide her family with a better future. A groundbreaking work of journalism, Meet Me in Venice provides a personal, intimate account of Chinese individuals in the very act of migration. Suzanne Ma spent years in China and Europe to understand why Chinese people choose to immigrate to nations where they endure hardship, suspicion, manual labor and separation from their loved ones. Today all eyes are on China and its explosive economic growth. With the rise of the Chinese middle class, Chinese communities around the world are growing in size and prosperity, a development many westerners find unsettling, and even threatening. Following Ye Pei s undaunted path, this inspiring book is an engrossing read for those eager to understand contemporary China and the enormous impact of Chinese emigrants around the world."

    Little-known even to Italians outside the nefarious activities of its 'Ndrangheta mafia organization, Calabria allures with its simplicity and rewards with an underlying complexity, as in savoring an artisanal cheese, appreciating an ancient Greek masterwork or interpreting a particularly expressive phrase in the local dialect. Calabria: The Other Italy paints a compelling picture of contemporary Calabria and Southern Italy, weaving observation, personal anecdote, salient historical information and social commentary into a nonfiction narrative that combines travelogue with an exploration of everyday life and culture. At times humorous, at others poignant, this engaging work portrays the joys and challenges of the "other Italy."

    What I have given will, I believe, be of very great interest to all students of classical lore of every kind, and extremely curious as illustrating the survival to the present day of "the Gods in Exile ".

    This program helps students develop these skills through enjoyable materials in visually focused topical contexts that they can relate to their own experiences.

     Italy may look like a small country when compared to the rest of the planet, but getting around can still be a challenge if you aren’t prepared to deal with the vagaries of the Italian rail system. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make your Italian train adventure a smooth experience - from questions you already have to questions you don't even know you should be asking - including: The difference between train tickets and reservations, and when you’ll need both How to decide whether to buy a Rail Pass or point-to-point tickets How to read an Italian train schedule How to buy train tickets and reservations, either before you leave home or once you’re in Italy How to deal with Italian train strikes And much more. By the time you finish this book, you'll be a confident traveler on the Italian rail system - leaving you more time to enjoy actually being in Italy, instead of spending precious vacation time figuring it out as you go. Want to keep learning more? Join my Italy Explained newsletter to get Italy travel tips and find out about new books! -- italyexplained.com From personal experience, I know that there are few things more satisfying as a traveler than the sense of accomplishment you get after planning a trip on your own, executing that plan, and – perhaps most important – being able to make decisions on the fly. As a writer, I love helping other travelers achieve that high. I want you to own your trip. I want you to be empowered enough to plan your own trip without turning the reins over to someone else. I want you to go into your travels with a swagger that says you’re confident enough to choose a restaurant, use the automated train ticket machine, and navigate the subway system. I want you to feel that confidence not because you know everything – no one does – but because you know enough to make an educated decision and to change plans if your first choice doesn't work out. My name is Jessica. I'm an Italophile, and now I'm your travel cheerleader. AUGUST 2015: The book was updated this month with some new information about ticket validation machines!

    Davis explores how Charlemagne overcame the two main problems of ruling an empire, namely how to delegate authority and how to manage diversity. Through a meticulous reconstruction based on primary sources, she demonstrates that rather than imposing a pre-existing model of empire onto conquered regions, Charlemagne and his men learned from them, developing a practice of empire that allowed the emperor to rule on a European scale. As a result, Charlemagne's realm was more flexible and diverse than has long been believed.Telling the story of Charlemagne's rule using sources produced during the reign itself, Davis offers a new interpretation of Charlemagne's political practice, free from the distortions of later legend.

    I failed foreign language class in Italy.”...so begins this rollicking comic adventure where nothing is exactly what it seems. Structured around twenty-four Italian language classes, poet and photographer Jay Desind invites you on a quest that goes backwards and forwards through time, surprises with unexpected humor, and shows an emotional range and honesty in a framework of quirky invention. It’s a memoir about the consequences of loss and the powerful redemptive things that happen when you immerse yourself into the accents, idioms, and traditions of other cultures. In the end, it is nothing what you expect and once finished, everything you wish you had experienced for yourself in a comfortable travel outfit. Lost in Language shares the bravery and unflinching honesty of Eat, Pray, Love and Cheryl Strayed’s Wild. It’s also absurdly funny like the best David Sedaris essay. What holds it all together is a unique authentic voice that takes the ‘me’ out of memoir and tells a universal story of finding yourself even when no one else is looking for you in the first place.

    Through a series of close textual studies, Patrick Baker excavates what humanists thought was important about humanism, how they viewed their own history, what goals they enunciated, what triumphs they celebrated - in short, he attempts to reconstruct humanist identity. What emerges is a small, coherent community dedicated primarily not to political ideology, a philosophy of man, an educational ethos, or moral improvement, but rather to the pursuit of classical Latin eloquence. Grasping the significance this stylistic ideal had for the humanists is essential to understanding both their sense of themselves and the importance they and others attached to their movement. For eloquence was no mere aesthetic affair but rather appeared to them as the guarantor of civilisation itself.

    Demonstrating his gallantry through daring feats or arms, the knight's faith, coupled with his marvelous courage, made him nearly invincible on the field of battle. Built around the stirring chronicle of the Knights of St. John, these inspiring accounts bring to life Catholic heroes who fought with courage, chivalry, and an unwavering trust in God to protect their neighbor, their country, and their faith.

    Here, in a text dripping with eloquence, passion and fact after fact, a leading historian tells the complex yet fascinating story of the world's most conquered, most contested island.Accompanied by 14 pages of maps, 5 pages of pedigree charts, 10 pages reproducing historical documents, and a 20-page chronology, it is a rare journey into understanding. Few histories of Sicily have ever been presented so clearly.This volume is a nearly complete overview of Sicilian history from the Bronze Age to around 1950. It begins by laying the groundwork of what was to come, recounting the experience of Sicily under its indigenous peoples, followed by the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. A chapter about the society of the Arabs and Byzantines the Normans found in 1061 sets the stage for a plunge into the next seven centuries, through dynasties from Germany, France, Spain and - finally - Italy.With erudition and focus, Mendola explains how the last monarchies ended in 1860 and 1946. Here the emphasis is not just kings and queens but an entire society and its identity. This volume is complementary to the author's previous entry, The Peoples of Sicily.Among the appendices are a list of the kings of Sicily, a list of the Sicilian peerage, and information on the knightly orders, details that make this an excellent book to consult. There are 35 pages of informative notes, with dozens of sources cited, including many scholarly (academic) articles published in Italy and Britain. The casual reader will find this work highly informative, while the university student will find it useful as a springboard for further study.Many books seek to recount history. This one touches it. The author explains how we are all Sicilians, and why it matters.

    Andrea Mammone details the long journey in the development of right-wing extremism in France and Italy, emphasizing the transfer, exchange, and borrowing of ideals, personnel, and strategies and the similarities among neofascist movements, activists, and thinkers across national boundaries from 1945 to the present day including the Cold War years, the election of the European Parliament in 1979, and the 2014 EU elections. Mammone analyzes the adaptation of neofascism in society and politics; the building of international associations and pan-national networks; and the right-leaning responses to the defeat of fascism, European integration, decolonization, the events of 1968, immigration, and the recent EU-led austerity politics. As a book implicitly on space, borders, and belonging, it shows how some nationalisms may embody a transnational dimension and, at times, even pan-European stances."

    To her delight, she found her Nana's recipes, except for the pasta and Italian bread, were already healthy Paleo diet without even knowing it and those that were not inherently Paleo were easily converted with a few simple and healthy alterations—all without sacrificing the delicious flavors that she fell in love with as a child. Cindy's husband and kids enthusiastically embraced her nutritious and gluten-free Italian soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts—and your family will too!In Paleo Italian Cooking, Cindy shows you how to prepare many night's menus of authentic yet contemporary family-style Paleo Italian meals. Inspired by her annual trips to Italy and meals she makes for her family along with the memories of the meals she made with her Nana, Cindy will have you cooking Italian every night of the week with recipes like:Grilled Calamari SaladTuscan Chicken & Vegetable ChiliChicken Scaloppine in Lemon-Caper SauceOsso BucoDover Sole PiccataPistachio-Crusted Cod with Roasted Pepper SauceSpaghetti Squash PuttanescaPorcini Mushroom & Peas Cauliflower "Risotto"Pistachio & Almond BiscottiProsecco & Peach CocktailsChocolate Pots de CremeYou will be able to achieve a maximum level of health—while losing weight—without tedious calorie counting, purchasing expensive-but-bland prepared diet foods or skimping on the satisfying meals you crave. Simply by avoiding grains, legumes and pasteurized dairy you'll be able to trim down while filling up. Look and feel great while indulging your passion for Italian food!

    De Profundis sees photographs of Fontanelle cemetery, an imposing underground cathedral localed in Napoli, Italy. Here, thousands of bones and skulls are piled up for all to see, the remains of at least 40 000 anonymous human beings. In this evocative and peaceful place, death is no longer insurmountable.

    This definitive guide shows you how to do it.Sicily boasts the world's best genealogical records, revealing the deep roots of a Sicilian identity and facilitating the construction of many pedigrees into the fifteenth century. Based on the author's 30 years of experience as a foremost expert in the field, this is the first complete guide ever published in English dedicated exclusively to Sicilian genealogical research. (Its publication established a new subject category in the Dewey catalog.)

    All of these words describe the films of one of the most important filmmakers the world has ever known—Federico Fellini. Fifty years since their initial release, his films of the 1960s still inspire, shock, and delight. Their impeccable style makes them timeless. Their beauty makes them unforgettable. Their passion makes them feel alive. And their singular vision makes them unique in all of cinema.For the first time, carefully selected imagery from all of Fellini’s films of the 1960s will be showcased. This was the director’s most iconic and representative decade, a time in which he made classics such as 8 ½, La Dolce Vita, Juliet of the Spirits, and Satyricon. Filled with hundreds of never-before-seen or published photographs—and featuring an extensive interview with La Dolce Vita star Anita Ekberg, Fellini: The Sixties is a remarkable compendium of a legendary filmmaker’s greatest work.

    Eutropius’s easy style and accessible vocabulary make his Breviarium ideal for students transitioning from the simplified Latin of a first-year textbook. Bottom-of-the-page glosses, passages in English from the Roman historian Livy, a running commentary on grammar and syntax, historical notes, and compiled vocabulary allow students insight into the foundational myths of ancient Rome and the historical context of Eutropius’s narrative.

    Max Caddick has witnessed the effects of the Depression in England, including the rise of the blackshirted English Fascist Party and has developed strong left-wing views which cost him his employment. Fascinated by Art, as well as politics, he decides to make his way down to Italy to see the work of the great Renaissance artists at first hand. Picking up odd jobs wheenever he can, his life becomes complicated when he becomes involved with the daughter of a prominent fascist family. Almost fifty years later, Paul Caddick who has recently graduated in Italian heads to Italy to teach English, have a good time and see whether he can locate any of his mysterious Italian relatives. This last task proves to be more difficult than he had expected as the family name seems to provoke only either hostility or a wall of silence. When he finds out the depths of his family's involvement with the worst excesses of Mussolini's regime, it is far worse than he could have imagined. During his search, he manages to establish contact with a cousin who has also been kept in the dark about the family's past by a grandmother who had rejected the family and tried to create a new life - but even this grandmother has a dark secret which she has struggled to keep hidden since the confusion that surrounded the liberation of Florence in 1944.

    Since 1984, Judy has been collecting recipes from mammas, market vendors and chefs and sharing them. These are some of her favorite recipes to recreate at home.