A sweeping, first-of-its-kind history of the creation of modern ItalyThe birth of modern Italy was a messy affair. Inspired by a small group of wri...
read full description
reviews
Jun 16, 2010
Stefanie
rated it: 
An insightful record of Italy’s modern history and search for identity. Although the Italian peninsula dominated politics and culture during the Roman Empire and Etruscan periods and experienced a resurgence of art and intellectualism during the Renaissance, the entire region was subject to foreign invasion and subjugation. Italy as a concept, let alone a nation, did not exist until 1861, with the Risorgimento. Previously, the peninsula was more of a geographical expression, composed of city-s
More...
Jul 25, 2011
Fred
rated it:
This encyclopedic description of the history of Italy, from the invasion of Napoleon through and beyond WWII, is written in an engaging style. The book provides an opportunity to contrast Italy's modern development with those of other emerging industrialized nations. Selected as background reading to prepare for a summer vacation in Italy, it provided a wealth of information that informed much of the sight-seeing we did.
Jul 05, 2010
Converse
rated it: 
Emphasizes the frequent fear among Italian nationalists that their fellow citizens lack sufficient identification with the state and public spirit to allow a united Italy to persist.
Sep 24, 2010
Jim
rated it:
Interesting book which very much focuses on the unity paradox of the Italian nation state while failing, on a number of levels, to delve into other threads of history i.e., the Gran Sasso raid (one line), Cold War machinations etc. Seldom moves beyond Italy as isolate.
Jul 27, 2009
Matt
rated it:
Looking forward to reading this. Thanks, Mary. Bonus: Named for one of my favorite Verdi operas.
Jan 20, 2012
Dec 21, 2011
Nov 08, 2011
Oct 21, 2011
Oct 06, 2011
Oct 04, 2011
Oct 03, 2011
Aug 28, 2011
Aug 22, 2011
Oct 30, 2011
Apr 18, 2011
Mar 17, 2011
Mar 10, 2011
Feb 23, 2011
Feb 23, 2011
Feb 19, 2011
Jan 20, 2011
