Hello,
sorry to get back to you only now, but here I am.
It is not easy to suggest books to read about Italy. First of all, are you talking about guidebooks, history books, literature?
Also, being a native, I cannot see Italy the same way you or any other traveller would. I have occasionally read books about my country written by foreigners, and found their point of view interesting even though usually quite different from mine. All of this said, if you can be a tad more specific, I will try my best to be useful.
Ciao for now.

Paola :-))

Lähettänyt: aluvalibri 7:23 pm (EST) May 11, 2008

I'm so jealous! If you haven't been before, then you're in for a treat. Hope you enjoy. Cheers,d

Lähettänyt: dchaikin 4:15 pm (EST) May 10, 2008

About Italy - if you're interested in Florence you might like "The City of Florence : Historical Vistas and Personal Sightings" by R.W.B. Lewis. This is from a post I wrote back in January: "I read this just before my (absolutely wonderful) visit there years ago and it made the city so much richer for me. He does a terrific job of mixing the history, the architecture, and the art with the city geography and current feel of the city."

Cheers,
d

Lähettänyt: dchaikin 1:04 am (EST) May 10, 2008

I love your library. You have quite a few interst that I do. I love cooking and Barefoot Contessa is one of my favorites. I have 3 of her cookbooks. I just finished reading [Pawleys Island] by Dorothea Benton Frank. We lived by Pawleys Island in SC for a year and the book named many places and happenings that were true. I see you are new to LT - welcome!

Lähettänyt: investory 10:59 pm (EST) Apr 16, 2008