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(as of May 12, 2025 02:50:39 UTC – Details)
One of The Economist’s Books of the Year
A provocative, entertaining account of Italy’s diverse riches, its hopes and dreams, its past and present
Did Garibaldi do Italy a disservice when he helped its disparate parts achieve unity? Was the goal of political unification a mistake? The question is asked and answered in a number of ways in The Pursuit of Italy, an engaging, original consideration of the many histories that contribute to the brilliance―and weakness―of Italy today.
David Gilmour’s wonderfully readable exploration of Italian life over the centuries is filled with provocative anecdotes as well as personal observations, and is peopled by the great figures of the Italian past―from Cicero and Virgil to the controversial politicians of the twentieth century. His wise account of the Risorgimento debunks the nationalistic myths that surround it, though he paints a sympathetic portrait of Giuseppe Verdi, a beloved hero of the era.
Gilmour shows that the glory of Italy has always lain in its regions, with their distinctive art, civic cultures, identities, and cuisines. Italy’s inhabitants identified themselves not as Italians but as Tuscans and Venetians, Sicilians and Lombards, Neapolitans and Genoese. Italy’s strength and culture still come from its regions rather than from its misconceived, mishandled notion of a unified nation.
Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux; First Edition (November 13, 2012)
Language : English
Paperback : 494 pages
ISBN-10 : 0374533601
ISBN-13 : 978-0374533601
Item Weight : 15.3 ounces
Dimensions : 5.55 x 1.24 x 8.2 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book very informative about Italy’s history, with one review noting how it explains current culture through historical context. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with customers describing it as a sheer joy to read, and they appreciate its cultural content and humor. However, the writing style receives mixed reactions, with some finding it very well written while others find it overly academic.
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