The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Italian History and Culture

Rating:
Summary: Great for travelers and buffs, not snobs
Review: Euvino, et al, have done a marvelous job with what is essentially an impossible task--giving non-Italians introductory access to one of the most rich and textured cultures in the world. Their choices in topic and detail will enliven any visit (from the "boot" to the top of the country), and add a dash of knowledge (more than a pinch, less than a cup) to people contemplating such a journey. As a companion book to her guide to "Learning Italian", this book is a must buy.

Rating:
Summary: Don't underestimate yourself--you're not this stupid
Review: For those who know little or nothing of Italian history and culture, this is a great starting place, with tidbits galore of information about people, places, and things Italian. Even for those who have an extensive knowledge of Italian culture and history, this book still offers much information for the trivia inclined.

A grand portrait is painted of Italy and her music, history, culture, art, politics, wars, religion, food, women, inventors, discoverers, language, architecture, Papacy, banking, commerce, philosophies, unification, immigration, myths and magic, theater, clothing, and more.

Some added touches includes appendixes with a glossary of commonly used Italian words, web resources, and suggested films and books. The index is very good.

Rating:
Summary: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture
Review: Gabrielle Euvino's guides to Italian language and history provide clear, consise information imbued with intelligence, warmth and humor. She has an inherent love of the culture and strong sensitivity for the neophyte student who seeks information. A desire to learn is all that's required of anyone looking to Euvino's books for understanding Italian and Italy. Expect to be charmed and entertained by the unexpected, as well as provided an education.

Rating:
Summary: I would have been lost without you!!
Review: I just returned from a fabulous trip to Italy, and I found this book to be an invaluable aid. It truly helped me get a richer and more insightful appreciation of Italian culture and history. Congrats to the authors for a superlative job. Their work was instructive, detailed and entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: Don't fall into the 'complete idiot' trap!
Review: I loved reading Ms. Euvino's book on Italian history and culture. She has a unique writing style that held my attention all the way through.

The book gave me a real introduction to people I am fascinated by like Leornardo Da Vinci and Christopher Columbus. The author has such a firm grasp on the subject matter that she makes the passages easy to understand. I particularly like the catchy section headings like "Strange Bedfellows" and "Starving Artist."

Overall, the book is a very entertaining and enjoyable read. I recommend it.

Rob

Rating:
Summary: Trivial information only.
Review: I purchased this book to gain more information about Italian culture and history in general and to plan a trip to Italy as well. The "Idiots" guide is properly titled since its information in trite and common and I found the book to be pretty useless. Many other books on the subject are much better.