The French Riviera, A Cultural History
by Julian Hale
From Roman outpost to Napoleonic battleground and playground for the rich and famous, this marvelously informed cultural guide covers the place of the Riviera in history, literature, art, architecture and the imagination.
A Room with a View
by E.M. Forster
A classic novel that explores the themes of social conventions, love, and personal awakening. The story follows the journey of Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery during a trip to Italy. While staying at a pension in Florence, Lucy encounters a cast of memorable characters who challenge traditional Victorian values and open her eyes to a world of passion and romance. Through misadventures and unexpected encounters, Lucy must navigate the complexities of her heart and the societal expectations that threaten to confine her. The novel is known for its witty social commentary and beautifully evoked settings, making it a timeless exploration of human emotions and the clash between individual desires and societal norms.
Ancient Rome: Art, Architecture, and History
by Ada Gabucci (Editor)
This lively, illustrated survey of Ancient Rome's monuments, history and art is a terrific introduction.
F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders
by Piu Eatwell
An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.
Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743
by Ross King & Anja Grebe
A magnificent, never-before-published collection of every painting and fresco on display in the Uffizi, the Galleria Palatina of the Pitti Palace, the Accademia, and the Duomo, and more -- nearly 2,000 works of art -- all presented in a beautiful slipcased package.
Insight Guides; Explore Nice & the French Riviera
by Insight Guides
Explore Nice and the French Riviera is part of a new series and is the ideal pocket companion when discovering this colorful and glamorous part of southern France.
Napoleon: A Life
by Andrew Roberts
Andrew Roberts’s Napoleon is the first one-volume biography to take advantage of the recent publication of Napoleon’s thirty-three thousand letters, which radically transform our understanding of his character and motivation.
Renaissance Florence, The Invention of a New Art
by A. Richard Turner
A cultural and social history of the city focusing on the great art and famous monuments, featuring vivid color pictures and illustrations.
Rome, A Cultural History
by Jonathan Boardman
Not a comprehensive history, but a good, easy-to-read introduction to the city and its landmarks that will appeal both to first time visitors and those who know and love the city.
The Seven Hills of Rome, A Geological Tour of the Eternal City
by Grant Heiken
With a timeline, chapters on each of the seven hills, Tiber Floodplain and overview of geology, this accessible guide, written by experts in geology, culture and history of Rome, shows the importance of the geological setting to the history of the city over the millennia.
The Smiles of Rome, A Literary Companion for Readers and Travelers
by Susan Cahill
A wonderfully inspired anthology featuring excerpts from 29 writers and artists interspersed with practical suggestions for travelers.
The Stones of Florence
by Mary McCarthy
Renowned for her sharp literary style, essayist and fiction writer Mary McCarthy offers a unique history of Florence, from its inception to the dominant role it came to play in the world of art, architecture, and Italian culture, that captures the brilliant Florentine spirit and revisits the legendary figures—Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and others—who exemplify it so iconically. Her most cherished sights and experiences color this timeless, graceful portrait of a city that's as famous as it is alluring.