When it’s not possible to travel to Italy, find an escape through books that celebrate the life and work of Italian writers, artists, chefs and filmmakers. From epic novels to bestselling cookbooks, check out 10 books for people who love Italy. They will transport you to destinations with delicious food, beautiful landscapes and charming locals.
10 Books for People Who Love Italy
The Silver Spoon
The Silver Spoon is certainly one of the best books about Italy. It is the English edition of the bestselling Italian cookbook of the last fifty years, Il Cucchiaio d’Argento. With over 2,000 recipes, this cookbook features simple yet authentic Italian dishes for both new and experienced cooks. From spaghetti carbonara to baked sea bass, recipes offer a timeless taste of Italy. This revised edition is illustrated with new photography and chef-inspired menus. Buy Now
The Neapolitan Novels
The Neapolitan Novels boxed set includes four novels: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay and The Story of the Lost Child. Written by Elena Ferrante, these books tell the story of two best friends, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in post-WWII Naples. This epic tale explores the beauty and pain found in love, family, community and culture. Buy Now
The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo’s Notebooks explores the world of Leonardo Da Vinci in his own words, connecting his intellectual and artistic journey with his writings, drawings and thoughts. From break-through inventions to engineering feats, this book features the work of a true Renaissance man, and it provides a fascinating look into Leonardo’s wide range of interests, such as human figures, light and shade, perspective and visual perception, anatomy, botany and landscape, geography, the physical sciences and astronomy, architecture and more. Buy Now
The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley is the first of a five-book series by Patricia Highsmith. The story is about Tom Ripley, a young man who leaves behind his past as an orphan to travel around Italy at the behest of a wealthy industrialist who hires him to bring his bohemian son back to New York City. Obsession turns to murder in this riveting page-turner. Buy Now
La Vita è Dolce
La Vita è Dolce is about the art of Italian baking by food writer and pastry chef, Letitia Clark. Featuring over 80 Italian desserts, this cookbook showcases Letitia’s favorite puddings inspired by her time living in Sardinia. It also features anecdotes and location photography that provides interesting context for the recipes. From caramelized citrus tart to torta caprese, the recipes will bring a sweet slice of Italy into your home. Buy Now
Federico Fellini: Book of Dreams
Federico Fellini is one of Italy’s most celebrated directors. He was born in Rimini, a city on the Adriatic coast, in 1920. Book of Dreams explores Fellini’s journey into the world of filmmaking from the late 1960s until 1990. It also serves as Fellini’s diary, which represents his creative visions in the form of colorful drawings and notes. This new edition includes a critical introduction, as well as updated graphics. It was published in collaboration with the Municipality of Rimini, the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia and the Cineteca di Bologna. Buy Now
Lonely Planet Italy
Lonely Planet Italy is the ultimate guide for travelers looking to plan an epic Italian adventure. It gives you a comprehensive overview of Italy’s 20 regions. With plenty of historic sites and hidden gems, it covers eating, sleeping, sightseeing and more. From the streets of Rome to the canals of Venice, Lonely Planet offers practical information for experiencing some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. Buy Now
Uffizi Gallery: The Official Guide
Founded in 1581, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is one of the most-visited museums in the world. The official museum guide explores its much-loved art collections, which include works ranging from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century – particularly art from the Renaissance. This illustrated guide shares expert insights and historical information about the work of many great artists, such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, among many others. Buy Now
The Adventures of Pinocchio
First published in 1883, The Adventures of Pinocchio was written by Carlo Collodi and illustrated by Enrico Mazzanti. Set in Tuscany, this classic children’s tale is about a mischievous wooden puppet, or marionette, named Pinocchio, and his father, a woodcarver. It’s a delightful adventure story about the importance of honesty, and it can be enjoyed at any age. Buy Now
Modigliani
By Nancy Ireson and Simonetta Fraquelli, this definitive monograph on Modigliani incorporates new research into one of the most comprehensive surveys published on Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), an Italian-born painter and sculpture considered to be one of the most important artists of the early twentieth century. This ambitious volume features 150 works from throughout Modigliani’s career, including iconic nudes and elongated figures, as well as six essays that explore various angles of his work and artistic pursuits. Buy Now
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