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Italy non-fiction and background readingFrom biographical accounts to weightly academic tomes, there is a wealth of background reading to heighten the reader's knowledge and understanding of Italy. From ancient to modern times, here's a selection of the best Italy non-fiction. An Italian Education - Tim Parks
What are Italians really like? How does their culture work? Englishman Tim Parks, a resident of the Veneto, watches his own children grow up as Italians, and reflects on the formative influences that shape their generation. A very honest and fascinating look at the real Italy and its citizens. Read more. Book locations to visit: Buy now from Amazon.co.uk  The Twelve Caesars - Suetonius (translated by Robert Graves)
This spicy classic is a scandalous, riveting and highly entertaining account of the lives of the first emperors of Rome, complete with eye-witness accounts and plenty of speculation. Full of highly-coloured anecdotes about the Caesars, their appearances, preferences, egotism and epic misbehaviour, the book brings Imperial Rome to life and is absolutely essential reading for anyone with an interest in ancient Rome. Book locations to visit: Buy now from Amazon.co.uk ROME: The Biography of a City - Christopher Hibbert
Amazingly, Christopher Hibbert manages to cram the entire history of Rome into one readable book. Rome: The Biography of a City steams through the kings, the republicans, the emperors, the Goths, the popes, the pilgrims, the artists and the fascists in a mesmeric crash-course in Roman history. Although a subject so large doesn't allow for detailed analysis of every era, Hibbert succeeds in transmitting a phenomenal amount of knowledge. Most readers will come to the book with existing interests - Ancient Rome, the Renaissance, perhaps - but this book puts each period in context, and makes you aware of just how much happened inbetween the most celebrated centuries. One of the most fascinating things about Rome as a city is the way that different periods have built on top of each other, the juxtuposition of different ages. Hibbert puts the capital into context, and gives the visitor an invaluable understanding of the continuity of Rome's ongoing story. It's also a great starting point for more detailed studies; and will fill the reader with the urge to learn more about the colourful characters who make an appearance. Buy now from Amazon.co.uk
Extra Virgin - Annie HawesExtra Virgin is a funny and warm account of the English author's experiences as she settles into a small hillside village in Liguria, and learns about local customs, personalities and olive-growing. Our review of Extra VirginBook locations to visit: Buy now from Amazon.co.uk 
Under the Tuscan Sun - Frances MayesOne of the best-selling books about Italy in recent years, Under the Tuscan Sun is set in Cortona, and is a new tourist attraction for the town. A whimsical personal account, it gives little insight into local society or people, but is strong on atmosphere and cuisine. American Frances Mayes bought a holiday home here with her partner and, amid much 'philosophical' musing, renovated the property and cooked a lot of meals. Many people have enjoyed this portrayal of the good life; a recent film was based loosely on the book, and the local tourist board is beginning to capitalise on the association. It's not one of our favourite books about Italy, but it's certainly of interest if you plan to visit the Cortona area. Book locations to visit: Buy now from Amazon.co.uk |
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