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It's What's Inside the Lines That Counts
by Fay VincentIt's What's Inside the Lines That Counts brings together ballplayers, managers, an umpire, and the first head of the players' union to describe the momentous changes to the game that took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Former MLB commissioner Fay Vincent draws from his ongoing oral history of the game to celebrate the era that spans the Miracle Mets through free agency to Cal Ripken's historic consecutive-games streak. Willie McCovey remembers meeting the Giants' other Willie and the powerful impact that Willie Mays had on him. He expresses pride that the Giants chose to honor him at their ballpark with McCovey Cove. Teammate Juan Marichal, one of baseball's Latino pioneers, recalls encountering racism for the first time in America. He recounts fortuitously overhearing a conversation among Latino ballplayers before a Giants-Pirates game that provided him with crucial information about Roberto Clemente. Managers Dick Williams and Earl Weaver assess their Hall of Fame careers. Williams remembers his contentious relationship with Charlie Finley and explains why he never managed for George Stein-brenner. Earl Weaver says he has changed, that umpires were "fantastic people," and that he shouldn't have gotten thrown out of so many ballgames. Read it here for yourself. Tom Seaver, one of the dominant pitchers of his era, shares a funny incident from his first All-Star game, when he was young and looked even younger, and discloses the important piece of baseball wisdom that Gil Hodges gave him early in his career that has guided him ever since. Don Baylor recalls playing with a variety of teammates and teams, including the remarkable experience of playing in three consecutive World Series with three different teams, going from the 1986 Red Sox that came so close to winning the Series to the 1987 Minnesota Twins team that actually did it. Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, "the Wizard of Oz," tells the story of how he began his signature back flip and offers insights into how he was able to pull off some of the most spectacular defensive plays in baseball history. Baseball's Iron Man Cal Ripken remembers the high expectations that came with being the son of a baseball manager and explains why the "Orioles way" was more than just a slogan for him. Bruce Froemming, MLB's longest-serving umpire, reveals the rules behind the fine art of allowing managers and coaches to have their say and still maintain absolute control over the game. And Marvin Miller, one of the most important figures in the history of the game, explains the origins and intentions of baseball's players' union and why he is so proud of what it has achieved.No fan of the game will want to pass up this illustrated, fascinating remembrance of two decades when baseball changed forever.
It's a Continent: Unravelling Africa's history one country at a time
by Astrid Madimba Chinny Ukata'. . . we need this book. Of course Africa needs it as well, because no other huge area of the planet is treated as such a singular region, and that has to change. But the rest of the planet needs It's a Continent because we miss out by not recognising the individual majesty, the complexity, the beauty, the culture and the stories of the dozens of African countries. We owe it to ourselves and our history to put that right.' - Simon ReeveWhy is Africa still perceived as a single country?How did African soldiers contribute to World War II?Who else led the charge against Apartheid in South Africa?How did an African man become one of the wealthiest people in history?There are (hi)stories you were never taught in school.IT'S A CONTINENT delves into these stories and reveals an Africa as you've never read it before. Breaking down this vast, beautiful, and complex continent and exploring each nations' unique history and culture, IT'S A CONTINENT highlights the key historical moments that have shaped each nation and contributed to its modern global position.Each chapter focuses on a different country and uncovers stories that mainstream education doesn't address at its peril.This book aims to highlight the consequences of colonialism and how this legacy reverberates today, as well as how many African countries continue to re-build in its wake.IT'S A CONTINENT is a bold and colourful corrective to the perception of Africa as a monolith. It reveals the fascinating, often overlooked, histories of its 54 nation states too often misrepresented, its inhabitants and its place in the world too often neglected.
It's a Continent: Unravelling Africa's history one country at a time ''We need this book.' SIMON REEVE
by Astrid Madimba Chinny Ukata'We need this book' SIMON REEVE'Illuminating' FINANCIAL TIMESWhy is Africa often perceived as a single country? What role did African soldiers play in the Second World War?Who else led the charge against Apartheid in South Africa?How did an African man become one of the wealthiest people in history?It's a Continent unravels these untold stories and delves into the fascinating and diverse cultures of Africa's 54 nations.With its bold and colourful narrative, It's a Continent breaks down this vast and complex continent, chapter by chapter, focusing on each country's unique history. From ancient kingdoms to modern struggles for independence, from overlooked heroes to monumental achievements, this book shines a light on the pivotal moments that have shaped Africa's position on the global stage.This book is a corrective to the misconceptions and misrepresentations of Africa as a monolith. Through its pages, you'll discover Africa's diversity, beauty and complexity and gain a deeper appreciation for its rich heritage and contributions.
It's a Gas: The Sublime and Elusive Elements That Expand Our World
by Mark MiodownikThe New York Times bestselling author of Stuff Matters presents a rollicking guided tour of the secret lives of gases: the magnificent, strange, and fascinating substances that shape our world.Gases are all around us—they fill our lungs, power our movement, create stars, and warm our atmosphere. Often invisible and sometimes odorless, these ubiquitous substances are also the least understood materials in our world, and always have been. It wasn’t long ago that gases were seen as the work of ancient spirits: the sudden closing of a door after a change in airflow signaled a ghost’s presence. Scientists and engineers have struggled with their own gaseous demons. The development of high-pressure steam power in the eighteenth century literally blew away some researchers, ushering in a new era for both safety regulations and mass transit. And carbon dioxide, that noxious by-product of fossil fuel consumption and cow burps, gave rise to modern civilization. Its warming properties known for centuries, it now spells ruin for our fragile atmosphere. In It’s a Gas, bestselling materials scientist Mark Miodownik chronicles twelve gases and technologies that shaped human history. From hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and neon to laughing gas, steam, and even wind, the story of gases is the story of the space where science and belief collide, and of the elusive limits of human understanding.
It's a Long Way from Penny Apples
by Bill Cullen[From the back cover] "Tis better to be born lucky than rich. ... There are many tragic stories in Ireland of those who have succumbed to the despair of abject poverty, those who were unable to save themselves or their loved ones from the harsh realities of oppression. But It's a Long Way from Penny Apples is a different view of the Irish experience, one man's journey out of the grinding poverty that held an entire generation of Irishmen in its thrall. Born and bred in the rough inner city slums of Summerhill in Dublin, Bill was one of fourteen children. Through hard work and determination, Bill went from selling flowers and newspapers on the street to owning the biggest Ford dealership in Ireland, and eventually became a multimillionaire. Bill Cullen's story is an account of incredible poverty and deprivation in the Dublin slums--and incredible success. It highlights the frustration of a father and mother feeling their relationship crumble as they fight to give their children a better life. It's a story of courage, joy, and happiness--of how a mother gave inspiration and values to her children, saying to them, "The best thing I can give you is the independence to stand on your own feet." "The story of a Dubliner reflecting with stunning honesty on his city and his past. With characters that leap off the page, it combines blunt realism with the everyday humor of Northside Dublin life. An incredible book." --Bertie Ahern, T.D., Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland
It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow: A nostalgic saga set in wartime Blackpool
by Margaret ThorntonWith the war providing escape, how long will their happiness last? Set during the advent of the Second World War, Margaret Thornton's It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow follows two sisters as they discover independence for the first time... as well as love. Perfect for fans of Pam Evans and Maureen Lee. 'Warm-hearted, evocative saga of life in Blackpool during World War II' - British Book News Jenny Carter has always led a sheltered life, protected by those she loves. Leaving school at fourteen, she is faced with no alternative but to help her mother, Annie, run Pleasant View boarding house in Blackpool. To the holidaymakers it is a welcoming retreat, but to Jenny and her younger sister Violet, who struggle to keep up with their mother's intolerable demands, it feels more like the workhouse. Then Jenny meets Tom Bradshaw, an idealistic young Yorkshire lad who not only stands up to Annie's caustic remarks, but whisks Jenny straight off her feet and down the aisle.Happy though their marriage is and much as she loves their young daughter, Jenny feels she has slipped uncontrollably from dominated daughter into doting wife and mother, and there are times when she yearns for the independence she has been denied. Then Germany invades Poland, and Tom, eager for a slice of the action, joins up to fight in the Second World War.The ensuing war years provide Jenny and her sister with their first taste of freedom: Violet finds work in an aircraft factory, while Jenny takes in a little evacuee. And before long, both girls have begun to fall in love... What readers are saying about It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow: 'If you like wartime stories, you will love this. Very down to earth about what went on behind the scenes, and very realistic''A good family saga which I love and could read forever' 'Five stars'
It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow: A nostalgic saga set in wartime Blackpool
by Margaret ThorntonWith the war providing escape, how long will their happiness last? Set during the advent of the Second World War, Margaret Thornton's It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow follows two sisters as they discover independence for the first time... as well as love. Perfect for fans of Pam Evans and Maureen Lee. 'Warm-hearted, evocative saga of life in Blackpool during World War II' - British Book NewsJenny Carter has always led a sheltered life, protected by those she loves. Leaving school at fourteen, she is faced with no alternative but to help her mother, Annie, run Pleasant View boarding house in Blackpool. To the holidaymakers it is a welcoming retreat, but to Jenny and her younger sister Violet, who struggle to keep up with their mother's intolerable demands, it feels more like the workhouse. Then Jenny meets Tom Bradshaw, an idealistic young Yorkshire lad who not only stands up to Annie's caustic remarks, but whisks Jenny straight off her feet and down the aisle.Happy though their marriage is and much as she loves their young daughter, Jenny feels she has slipped uncontrollably from dominated daughter into doting wife and mother, and there are times when she yearns for the independence she has been denied. Then Germany invades Poland, and Tom, eager for a slice of the action, joins up to fight in the Second World War.The ensuing war years provide Jenny and her sister with their first taste of freedom: Violet finds work in an aircraft factory, while Jenny takes in a little evacuee. And before long, both girls have begun to fall in love... What readers are saying about It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow: 'If you like wartime stories, you will love this. Very down to earth about what went on behind the scenes, and very realistic''A good family saga which I love and could read forever' 'Five stars'
It's a New World, Charlie Brown! (Peanuts Great American Adventure)
by Charles M. Schulz Tom BrannonCharlie Brown and friends are headed to Camp New World to see what life was like for the pilgrims. Lucy can’t wait to get all dressed up. Sally can’t wait to pick flowers. Linus is looking forward to fishing. But when the Peanuts gang arrives at Camp New World, they discover everything is a lot harder than they thought! Can everyone work together to plan a feast just like the pilgrims’ Thanksgiving?
It's a Round, Round World! (A Joulia Copernicus Book)
by Ellie PetersonWe all know the earth is round. But HOW do we know? Join intrepid young scientist-adventurer Joulia Copernicus as she takes readers on a historical journey through time and space. From jumping on board Columbus's ship to planet-hopping in the outer reaches of our solar system, Joulia explains with humor and wit the ins and outs of how we learned that the earth is round.
It's a Snap!: George Eastman's First Photo (Great Idea Series #1)
by Monica KullingIn 1877 in Rochester, New York, George Eastman couldn’t understand why picture-taking was so difficult. Having left school at fourteen to support his mother and two sisters, George decided to find out by making photography his hobby. He packed up glass plates, a plate holder, a tent, a heavy tripod, a thick piece of black cloth, a water jug, and chemicals and set off to take his first photograph. George realized that not many people could own a camera — they were too expensive and the size of today’s microwave ovens! But how could he make picture-taking easier? Eventually, George created dry plates, and they were such a success that he opened his own dry-plate company in 1881. But this was only the beginning — George went on to invent film and the Brownie camera. The rest is history.Monica Kulling’s spunky, playful text is beautifully complemented by the stunning pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations of artist Bill Slavin. It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photo introduces a new series for Tundra — the Great Idea Series — a must-have for schools, libraries, and parents alike.
It's a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words
by Albert JackDid you know that an assassin is a hashish-eater and a yokel a country woodpecker? That Dr Mesmer mesmerised patients back to health or that Samuel Pepys enjoyed a good game of handicap? While we're at it, what have spondulics to do with spines or lawyers with avocados?In It's a Wonderful Word, bestselling author Albert Jack collects over 500 of the strangest, funniest-sounding and most delightful words in the English language, and traces them back to their often puzzling origins. While brushing up on your gibberish or gobbledygook, discover why bastards should resent travelling salesmen, why sheets should remain on tenterhooks and why you should never set down a tumbler before finishing your drink.From blotto to bamboozle and from claptrap to quango, Albert Jack's addictive anecdotes bring the world's most colourful language to life and are guaranteed to surprise and entertain.
It's in His Kiss (Bridgerton Series #7)
by Julia QuinnMeet Our Hero . . . Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past . . . and the key to his future. The problem is-it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word. Meet Our Heroine . . . All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her-something charming and vexing-that grabs him and won't quite let go . . . Meet Poor Mr. Mozart . . . Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual-and annually discordant-Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other . . . and that there is nothing as simple-or as complicated-as a single, perfect kiss.
Italia '90: Una épica de lo imposible
by Pablo S. AlonsoUn relato completo, dinámico y detallado de Italia '90, la copa mundial de fútbol en la que el seleccionado argentino estuvo a punto de repetir la épica del 86 y que ha quedado marcada a fuego en la memoria emocional de varias generaciones. Posiblemente haya sido uno de los peores mundiales de la era moderna. Posiblemente haya sido, también, uno de los peores equipos argentinos en mucho tiempo. Sin embargo, el Mundial 90 permanecerá marcado a fuego en la memoria de los que lo vivimos. Un equipo repleto de defensores, con el crack averiado, con muchos jugadores en malas condiciones físicas, pero que fue avanzando contra todo pronóstico. Una Armada Brancaleone en pantalones cortos. "Notti magiche", las patadas de los cameruneses, Caniggia en el banco, la derrota inicial, la fractura de Pumpido, el regreso de la Mano de Dios, los centros (errados) de Goyco, Batista homenajeando a la Momia, el pase agónico a octavos, los tiros en los palos de Brasil, el bidón de Branco, el gol de Cani, los penales contra Yugoslavia, el tobillo de Maradona, los silbidos al himno, Zenga tirando un puñetazo al aire, la sonrisa de Cani, los penales de Goyco, siamo fuori, la final, Codesal, las lágrimas de Maradona. Solo algunas de las muchas cosas que se pueden enumerar; una lista no taxativa. Italia '90. Una épica de lo imposible transita cada uno de los caminos y meandros de ese torneo extraño pero entrañable, en el que un equipo alteró su destino a base de obstinación, personalidad y suerte. Con el análisis de cada una de las aristas de ese verano italiano repleto de noches mágicas, Pablo Alonso consigue ingresar al canon de grandes autores -Sasturain, Burgo, Borinsky y Vignone, entre otros- de libros mundialistas.Matías Bauso, autor de 78. Historia oral del Mundial Con mucho material de archivo y numerosas entrevistas a quienes estuvieron ahí, lo vivieron o lo cubrieron en su momento -y con el monumental trabajo de Matías Bauso sobre el mundial de 1978 como referencia-, el periodista Pablo S. Alonso asume la compleja tarea de retratar Italia '90, acaso uno de los últimos mundiales que alcanzaron el aura de campeonato épico en la memoria colectiva. Su exhaustiva investigación reconstruye el contexto -primeros tiempos del menemismo- en que el seleccionado de Bilardo, que venía de ganar el campeonato del 86, viajó a Europa. Quiénes fueron los grandes personajes (Maradona, de alguna manera también Claudia Villafañe, Coppola, Havelange y Grondona; el Pájaro Claudio "Paul" Caniggia; Olarticoechea, Burruchaga y, por supuesto, Goycochea), quiénes los grandes ausentes (Valdano), quiénes los "villanos" (Codesal, el discutidísimo árbitro de la final); cómo fue el negocio (barrabravas; turismo; política), la cobertura mediática, los mitos y rumores; cuáles los trucos del DT (las cábalas y los artilugios no siempre limpios para alentar a los propios y las jugadas sucias para debilitar a los rivales) y cómo fue cada uno de los partidos de Argentina: contra Camerún, Rusia, Rumania, Brasil, Yugoslavia (con el pormenorizado relato de los diez penales que definieron el encuentro), el triunfo sobre el anfitrión y, finalmente, el reencuentro con Alemania. Perfecto para leer escuchando "Un'estate Italiana", conocida popularmente como "Notti magiche", la emotiva canción oficial.
Italian Aces of World War 2
by Richard Caruana Giorgio ApostoloFlying aircraft such as the Macchi 200-202, Fiat G.50 and biplane Fiat CR.42, the Italian fighter pilots were recognised by their Allied counterparts as brave opponents blessed with sound flying abilities, but employing under-gunned and underpowered equipment. Following the Italian surrender in September 1943, a number of aces continued to take the fight to the Allies as part of the Luftwaffe-run ANR, which was equipped with far more potent equipment such as the Bf 109G, Macchi 205V and Fiat G.55. Flying these types, the handful of ANR squadrons continued to oppose Allied bombing raids on northern Italy until VE-Day.
Italian American Pentecostalism and the Struggle for Religious Identity (Routledge Studies in Religion)
by Paul J. PalmaWhile many established forms of Christianity have seen significant decline in recent decades, Pentecostals are currently one of the fastest growing religious groups across the world. This book examines the roots, inception, and expansion of Pentecostalism among Italian Americans to demonstrate how Pentecostalism moves so freely through widely varying cultures. The book begins with a survey of the origins and early shaping forces of Italian American Pentecostalism. It charts its birth among immigrants in Chicago as well as the initial expansion fuelled by the convergence of folk-Catholic, Reformed evangelical, and Holiness sources. The book goes on to explain how internal and external pressures demanded structure, leading to the founding of the Christian Church of North America in 1927. Paralleling this development was the emergence of the Italian District of the Assemblies of God, the Assemblee di Dio in Italia (Assemblies of God in Italy), the Canadian Assemblies of God, and formidable denominations in Brazil and Argentina. In the closing chapters, based on analysis of key theological loci and in lieu of contemporary developments, the future prospects of the movement are laid out and assessed. This book provides a purview into the religious lives of an underexamined, but culturally significant group in America. As such, it will be of great interest to scholars of Pentecostalism, Religious Studies and Religious History, as well as Migrations Studies and Cultural Studies in America
Italian Americans (Coming To America)
by Barry MorenoHere are vivid evocations of New York’s Little Italy and San Francisco’s Italian community around Fisherman’s Wharf, along with the warm family life and neighborhood festivals, the wonderful Italian cuisine, the merchants and tradesmen, the underworld figures, the political leaders, and much more. Brief biographies touch on the lives of physicist Enrico Fermi, politicians Fiorello LaGuardia and Rudolph Giuliani, sportsman Joe DiMaggio, and many others.
Italian Americans of the Greater Mahoning Valley (Images of America)
by Dr Martha Pallante Dr Donna DeblasioBetween 1890 and 1924, Italian immigrants flocked to Ohio's Mahoning Valley. The area's burgeoning iron and steel industries beckoned with job prospects for immigrants fleeing southern and eastern Europe--particularly from southern Italy, a region that at the time lacked opportunity and highly taxed its natives. Upon the arrival of these new residents, neighborhoods such as Youngstown's Smoky Hollow and Brier Hill offered accepting communities, and Niles Fire Brick Factory Company and Trumbull Blast Furnace provided employment. Assimilation was not always easy, and discrimination did occur, but Italian Americans ultimately prospered, making a mark not only as steelworkers but also as shopkeepers, grocers, restaurateurs, tradesmen, educators, doctors, lawyers, legislators, and mayors. This book explores the immigration experience, community, workplace dynamics, celebrations, worship, heritage, and lasting impact of the second-largest ethnic group in Ohio's Mahoning Valley.
Italian Army Elite Units & Special Forces 1940-43
by Pier Battistelli Johnny ShumateItalian military historian Pier Paolo Battistelli examines the elite and specialforces units of the Italian Army during World War II. This includes a vast array of troop types, including paratroopers, assault engineers, sea-landing and swimmer units, long-range recce and ski units, and even hand-picked Fascist 'Mussolini' units. It also delves into the specialist tank and armoured units that were created to emulate the German armoured units. While the Italian units discussed enjoyed mixed success, the volume draws attention to the incredibly hard fighting done by some in the deserts of North Africa and the frozen wastelands of Russia. Illustrated with rare archival photographs and specially commissioned artwork, this is a fascinating insight into a little-studied aspect of Axis forces.
Italian Battleships of World War II
by Paul Wright Mark StilleOften overlooked as a naval power of WWII, Italy's Regia Marina was, upon the declaration of war against France, the fourth largest navy in the world. Despite its numbers, the Italian fleet was made up of largely obsolete vessels, none being equipped with radar, and had a reputation for having inadequately-trained crews. Added to these drawbacks, the Italian commanders did not enjoy the discretion of command at sea that their counterparts in the service of other nations did, being directed closely by the Supermarina (Italian Naval Headquarters). Despite these obstacles, and the heavy losses inflicted upon the fleet by the Royal Navy while in harbour at Taranto, the battleships of the Italian Navy enjoyed a good reputation for being well-designed, and served with courage and determination at Punto Stilo/Calabria, Sirte, Cape Spartivento, and Cape Matapan. Mark Stille details, with the aid of many stunning photographs, including several from the Italian Navy's own archives, the battleships of one of the forgotten navies of WWII.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Italian Battleships: Conte di Cavour and Duilio Classes 1911–1956
by Erminio Bagnasco Augusto de ToroWith the publication of their previous book on the battleships of the Littorio class, the authors set new standards for the detailed coverage and sophisticated analysis of Italian warship design. Inspired by its success, both critically and commercially, the authors were inspired to follow up with a similar study of the earlier Italian battleships that were built in the First World War but survived to fight in the Second. Given the level of new research required, this has taken a decade to achieve but the result is a similarly comprehensive coverage. Originally comprising five ships in two related classes, they entered service at the beginning of the Great War. As designed, they were powerful examples of the second generation of dreadnoughts, with a combination of twin and triple turrets producing a unique main armament of thirteen 12-inch guns. One ship, Leonardo da Vinci, was sunk by an internal explosion at Taranto in 1916, and although the hull was raised post-war, the plan to rebuild the ship was abandoned as it was not deemed cost-effective. However, the remaining four ships were to undergo one of the most radical reconstructions of any battleship class during the 1930s, emerging with an entirely new profile, more powerful machinery and all the characteristics of a modern fast battleship. In this form they became an important element in the Italian fleet that opposed the British after 1940\. This book covers all the technical details of the ships, both as built and as rebuilt, but also provides an extended history of their active service, including battle plans and track charts. Thoroughly illustrated with photographs, ship and armament plans, detail drawings and colour camouflage schemes, the book is a fitting companion to The Littorio Class.
Italian Blackshirt 1935-45
by Pier Battistelli Giuseppe RavaThe Blackshirt legions were raised under army control from 1928, and were employed in 1933 in Libya in counterinsurgency operations against the Senussi tribes; from 1935 in Italy's war against Ethiopia; and during the Spanish Civil War. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Blackshirts fought in North Africa, Greece, Croatia, on the Eastern Front and finally in Italy itself following the Allied invasion.This book documents the experiences of the Italian armed Fascist militia, the Camicie Nere (Blackshirts), from the Italian-Ethiopian war (1935-1936), through the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) to the end of World War II (1939-1945). It explores their origins, development, recruitment, training, conditions of service, uniforms and equipment, battle experience, political and ideological motivation.
Italian Communism: The Road to Legitimacy and Autonomy
by John A. BakerThroughout the Cold War era, many Americans were puzzled that communism could thrive in Italy, a NATO ally with close cultural and social ties to the United States. In this study of Italian Communism and the Italian Communist Party, from its part in the Resistance during World War II to its role in Italy in the eighties, John Baker explains how Italian Communism differs from communism in other nations and why it has flourished in Italy.Dr. Baker concentrates on the Italian Communist Party’s dilemma regarding its relationship with the Soviet Union. Since World War II, Italian Communists have sought to participate in governing Italy. As long as the Party was associated with the aspirations of the Soviet Union, however, it was suspect in the eyes of the Italian electorate and Italy’s allies. Thus, to gain influence in Italian politics, the Party was forced to “deradicalize,” that is, to disclaim endorsement of non-democratic methods and to distance itself from Soviet foreign policy. Dr. Baker traces this gradual and successful process of deradicalization.
Italian Crime Fiction Revisited: Authority, Detection, and the Supernatural, 1861–1941 (Italian and Italian American Studies)
by Stefano SerafiniThis book offers the first extensive investigation of Italian crime fiction in the period between 1861, the year of Italy’s unification, and 1941, when the famous Mondadori series ‘I libri gialli’, which had published crime novels since 1929, was suppressed by the fascist regime. By exploring the formal and thematic metamorphoses of Italian crime narratives and probing the different socio-political roles that they played in both the liberal and fascist periods, it provides a radical re-conceptualization, in both historical and theoretical terms, of a form of fiction that has been largely marginalized for both aesthetic and ideological reasons, uncovering how it was implicated in the construction of the modern state and in the articulation and shaping of the process of ‘making Italians’.
Italian Cuisine: A Cultural History (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History)
by Massimo Montanari Alberto CapattiItaly, the country with a hundred cities and a thousand bell towers, is also the country with a hundred cuisines and a thousand recipes. Its great variety of culinary practices reflects a history long dominated by regionalism and political division, and has led to the common conception of Italian food as a mosaic of regional customs rather than a single tradition. Nonetheless, this magnificent new book demonstrates the development of a distinctive, unified culinary tradition throughout the Italian peninsula.Alberto Capatti and Massimo Montanari uncover a network of culinary customs, food lore, and cooking practices, dating back as far as the Middle Ages, that are identifiably Italian:o Italians used forks 300 years before other Europeans, possibly because they were needed to handle pasta, which is slippery and dangerously hot.o Italians invented the practice of chilling drinks and may have invented ice cream.o Italian culinary practice influenced the rest of Europe to place more emphasis on vegetables and less on meat.o Salad was a distinctive aspect of the Italian meal as early as the sixteenth century.The authors focus on culinary developments in the late medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras, aided by a wealth of cookbooks produced throughout the early modern period. They show how Italy's culinary identities emerged over the course of the centuries through an exchange of information and techniques among geographical regions and social classes. Though temporally, spatially, and socially diverse, these cuisines refer to a common experience that can be described as Italian. Thematically organized around key issues in culinary history and beautifully illustrated, Italian Cuisine is a rich history of the ingredients, dishes, techniques, and social customs behind the Italian food we know and love today.
Italian Cultural Studies: An Introduction
by David Forgacs Robert LumleyThis illustrated introduction to the study of modern Italian culture brings together specialists in the fields of language; politics; religious, ethnic, and gender identities; the mass media; cultural policy; and movie stars. In four thematic sections, the contributors elucidate their own slice of Italian culture. Geographies questions received notions of the Italian nation, the family, the "South" and corruption; it also looks at anthropological approaches to culture and at Italy's linguistic pluralism. Identities examines gender, religion, politics, and ethnicity as a means by which people define themselves and others. Media explores the press, literature, television, and cinema. Culture and Society brings together historical analyses of cultural policy, stars and style, and popular music. The book includes guidance for further reading and a chronology of political and cultural events since 1900.