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Book Synopsis

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 brillianceand weaknessof 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 pastfrom 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.

The Pursuit of Italy A History of a Land Its

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    A Paperback / softback by David Gilmour

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      Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
      Publication Date: 13/11/2012
      ISBN13: 9780374533601, 978-0374533601
      ISBN10: 0374533601

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      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 brillianceand weaknessof 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 pastfrom 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.

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