Francesco's Italy: A Personal Journey through Italian Culture- Past and Present

Following the success of Francesco's Venice, Francesco da Mosto ventures further afield, this time taking in all of Italy. As he visits the spectacular lakes and fashionable cities of the north and passes through the hills of Tuscany before heading south towards Rome, Naples, and Palermo, he celebrates the country's art and culture—its cathedrals, churches, palaces, opera houses, paintings, sculpture, music, and cuisine. Introducing us to many of the figures who populate the country's rich and vibrant history, his journey also takes in Italian society as it is today. Splendidly illustrated with John Parker's breathtaking color photos and enlivened with marvelous anecdotes about his family and the fascinating characters he meets along the way, Francesco's Italy is the story of both the country we all know and love and the secret Italy only an insider can reveal.

Following his successful TV series and book Venice, the author extends his exploration to the rest of the country. With stunning photographs throughout of Italian culture, past and present, the book celebrates Italy in all its astonishing diversity.

Richard A. Dickey - Library Journal

Venetian architect, historian, and filmmaker Da Mosto (Francesco's Venice) successfully assembles a wonderfully entertaining and educational companion to the BBC television presentation of the same name. This sequel to his dramatic history of Venice encompasses the life, legend, and lore of the entire Italian peninsula. Da Mosto covers not only the popular cities and the evolution of their art, architecture, and engineering advances but also some less well known delights, e.g., Cremona and the Isle of Capri. Peppered with insightful memories of his childhood travels and family vacations, Da Mosto's book goes well beyond the usual historical facts found in cookie-cutter travel guides. He includes fascinating vignettes on topics such as the historical balance of power between the popes and emperors, ending his journey on the island of Sicily, where his mother's relatives have lived for generations. Da Mosto brings to life all the splendor and intrigue that define Italy as he travels along the ancient roads of independent civilizations that have endured everything from volcanoes to war and still managed to embrace progress and the beauty of body and soul. Parker reprises his photographic expertise with breathtaking color images of, e.g., the majestic snow-capped Italian Alps. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.