Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World

If you know me, you know that I am very proud of my Italian heritage. I have often said if you take the 15th century contributions made by Florence to the western world they would rival, if not exceed, the contribution of some nations for all time. If one were to look at the entire history of Italy, you could see that the contributions are beyond any other nation.As you can see, I have a great love for the land of my ancestors. I am passionately interested in the history of Italy as well as the culture. I have read multiple Italian histories. What I enjoyed about this book is that it provided a good survey of both.The book is a good starting point for anyone interested in history. Each of the 50 chapters is a concise discussion of important contribution Italy has made to the world. It gives the reader a taste of interesting topics that they can then go on to research in more detail.If there is any criticism that I could make of the book is that it is a summation. So, when the author describes the Roman contribution to architecture, he discusses architecture in general. This, however, is a minor criticism of the book. If one were to discuss all the contributions Italians have made to architecture, it would fill a book in and of itself. The same is true for each of the chapters. There are just too many contributions made by Italy to be discussed in detail by any one book.

In the chapters on Dante, Petrarca, Boccaccio -- many poems are presented (only in English translation). This is absurd -- considering that the poems included are there to give a sense for the development of the Italian language! How is an English-speaking reader supposed to get a fee for the Italian language when only English translations are provided! Absurd insensitivity. Hope the authors will come out with a new version of the same book, and include the Italian original for each poem presented.An absurdity: Petrarca's last name is presented as "Petrarch". This would be like having an Italian piece on Shakespeare .. and refer to the Bard as "Scechespiar"!!

Purchased this book from Amazon and am enjoying learning about how Italian genius informed the world. I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because of the writing style. Although it's an interesting read, the writing style lacks flow and ease. I need to read it in small episodes to avoid reader fatigue. Aside from lack of brilliance in writing technique, the information is very interesting and I recommend the book for anyone contemplating a trip to Italy. This historical information about crucial aspects of Italian contributions to the world will inform any traveler, and give insight into the character and outlook of the Italian people. If you are planning a trip to Italy, read this a few months before you travel. If you are older, it may be a review of information you already know. If you are younger it will perhaps give you a few history lessons and insight into Italian life, character and genius.

The more we know, the more we forget. Virtually every essay in this book brought back memories of having studied or read about almost everything in this book. It's a great introduction, but also a great refresher if you have "been there and done that before." The pieces are for the most part short, entertaining and informative, although I confess to having somewhat skimmed the chapters on saints. It is a particularly good book to read if you plan to visit Italy. That is why I bought it along with a brief Penguin history of the country before departing on my two week vacation. A bit of background always enhances my understanding and enjoyment of a country.

Great book teaching almost everything there is to know about the Italian culture

This is a must-have book in the library of the casual reader of history! We in the U.S. and the world need to understand the rich legacy we have inherited from our Italian predecessors. This book gives us a look back in time at the initiation of many principles and policies now in use all over the world. The arts have much to thank the Italians for. This book is written very well and in a style the reader can easily understand and appreciate.

One of the charms of this unique book is the ability to meander over the centuries, letting your mood choose the entry, and yet feeling a sense of context, because of the authors' tight chronological organization. The writing is lively, and I appreciated the avoidance of idolatry. Appreciation yes, but with a healthy sense of distance.

It is a wonderful book for familarizing the unknowing college studetn about Italy's contribution to world culture.

This book provides an in depth understanding of the Italian contributions to our culture and knowledge over many centuries. It is a very exciting overview of facts and personalities in various fields that enables to understand the role of Italian minds. The articles can be understood independently of each other so that this book can be used also as a reference for selected topics.

i was blown away at at how knowledable i got about some of these artists.i recommend this book to all.

Excellent!