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Italy, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Lawrence Venuti (Editor)
Not just a literary companion, this anthology is also a who's who of contemporary Italian writers who capture the spirit, history and allure of the country.
Italy in Mind
by Alice Powers
A terrific collection of some of the best literary writing on Italy, including pieces by Melville, Lawrence, Henry James, Mary McCarthy and many others.
Italian Days
by Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
Grizzuti Harrison writes with warmth and depth of her journey from Milan south to Calabria in this sprightly account of Italy and the Italians.
Beautiful Ruins
by Jess Walter
Award-winning, bestselling author Jess Walter brings us to the Italian Riviera in this glittering love story. Based on actual events.
The House of Medici, Its Rise and Fall
by Christopher Hibbert
A well-written, entertaining history of the Medicis in Renaissance Florence. Great to read before going to Florence, where the influence of the Medicis and the artists they supported is still very much in evidence.
Liguria Map
by Touring Club Italiano
A map of the region, including Cinque Terra, at a scale of 1:200,000.
The Food of Italy
by Waverly Root
Evocative of Italy and its diverse cuisine, this classic book, organized geographically, offers a cook's tour of the country. It's a well-informed and wonderful culinary guide.
National Geographic Italy
by Tim Jepson
Published in National Geographic's attractive visual style, this illustrated guide features hundreds of photographs, full color maps, and useful information on history, culture and travel.
Cinque Terre, Portofino Hiking Map
by Freytag & Berndt
Scaled at 1:50,000, this one-sided, color map depicts Italy from Sestri Levante to Montemarcello, with an inset of Portofino. Ideal for exploring this beautiful stretch of the Italian coast. Printed on water- and tear-resistant paper.
Italy, A Short History
by Harry Hearder
Elegantly written, generous and informative, this compact book takes in the sweep of Italian history from the Roman Republic through the Renaissance, World War II and up to the present.
The Italians
by John Hooper
Italy correspondent for The Economist Hooper explores Italy -- its baffling contradictions, unique character and contemporary culture -- in this illuminating portrait.
The Portable Romantic Poets
by Norman Holmes Pearson, W.H. Auden (Editor)
This is the anthology to take along on a trip to Italy's Cinque Terra, England's Lake District or any other classic haunt of the romantic poets. This selection includes works by all the masters (and even an occasional mistress).
La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
by Beppe Severgnini
Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.
Bradt Guide Liguria, The Italian Riviera
by Rosie Whitehouse
A comprehensive guide in the growing series by Bradt, noteworthy for its focus on culture, nature and responsible travel, with plenty of practical travel details.
Under the Tuscan Sun
by Frances Mayes
In this best-selling memoir of buying, renovating and living in an abandoned villa in Cortona, Tuscany, Mayes reveals the sensual pleasures found in rural Italy.
Extra Virgin, A Young Woman Discovers the Italian Riviera
by Annie Hawes
A memoir of travels and life in Liguria, where the Hawe sisters ventured and stayed. In this refreshingly candid account, the English sisters end up buying a house and learning the local customs and eccentricities of their neighbors in Diano San Pietro.
Michelin Wine Trails of Italy
by Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
This handy guide focuses on driving tours and itineraries through Italy's many wine regions, including Langhe and Roero, lands of Barbera, Liguria, Lombardy, Sicily, Sardinia, Umbria and Tuscany.
A Ligurian Kitchen, Recipes and Tales from the Italian Riviera
by Laura Giannatempo
A charming, personal cookbook with an abundance of authentic Ligurian recipes that can easily be replicated in an American kitchen.
Rick Steves' Snapshot Italy's Cinque Terre
by Rick Steves
A slim guide to the Cinque Terre region with Steves' expert-selected hotels, travel advice, major sites and places to relax.