You know I'm a big fan of independent bookstores, like this one on the island of Capri. I supported it today with some purchases. Please shop your local store today, and often.
Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts
Ciao, Roma!
In preparing for a trip to Rome, it's almost impossible to narrow down the huge lists of books that can inspire, advise, and inform your trip. There are probably 10 specific periods in Rome's history that fascinate me, so the stack of books could be daunting.
But here are three that made my list, and inspired my trip. More books (especially about my favorite Roman time period) later this week.
Rome
by Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes gives us a very personal journey through Rome's history and culture. He skips a bit quickly through ancient Rome for my taste, but paints an incredible view of the Renaissance. As the former art critic for Time, that really shouldn't surprise, but to be fair Rome had an amazing diversity of artists, sculptors, composers, and architects who created stunning works during the Renaissance.
I used Hughes' book to find hidden gems like Villa Medici.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
by Ross King
It's astonishing to realize that Michelangelo only received the commission to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel almost as a consolation prize. The project he most wanted was to sculpt the Pope's tomb, but instead he was convinced by Pope Julius II to paint his now-famous scenes. Michelangelo was not know for his paintings and he didn't have experience with frescoes. Add to that the cost to his health (and his pocketbook), and you can understand how the gorgeous ceiling became the bane of Michelangelo's existence.
Sprezzatura: 50 Ways that Italian Genius Shaped the World
by Peter D'Epiro
Sprezzatura means the art of effortless mastery, and after just a few days in Rome, it does seem as if the Italians mastered (or created) almost every form of art.
D'Epiro showcases 50 of the top Italian cultural achievements, from developing the calendar (twice) to the first orchestra, and from love poetry to logic. This is a sharp and humorous look at how the history of Italy has shaped the world's culture.
But here are three that made my list, and inspired my trip. More books (especially about my favorite Roman time period) later this week.
by Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes gives us a very personal journey through Rome's history and culture. He skips a bit quickly through ancient Rome for my taste, but paints an incredible view of the Renaissance. As the former art critic for Time, that really shouldn't surprise, but to be fair Rome had an amazing diversity of artists, sculptors, composers, and architects who created stunning works during the Renaissance.
I used Hughes' book to find hidden gems like Villa Medici.
Michelangelo and the Pope's CeilingIt's astonishing to realize that Michelangelo only received the commission to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel almost as a consolation prize. The project he most wanted was to sculpt the Pope's tomb, but instead he was convinced by Pope Julius II to paint his now-famous scenes. Michelangelo was not know for his paintings and he didn't have experience with frescoes. Add to that the cost to his health (and his pocketbook), and you can understand how the gorgeous ceiling became the bane of Michelangelo's existence.
Sprezzatura: 50 Ways that Italian Genius Shaped the World
by Peter D'Epiro
Sprezzatura means the art of effortless mastery, and after just a few days in Rome, it does seem as if the Italians mastered (or created) almost every form of art.
D'Epiro showcases 50 of the top Italian cultural achievements, from developing the calendar (twice) to the first orchestra, and from love poetry to logic. This is a sharp and humorous look at how the history of Italy has shaped the world's culture.
Buon Appetito
I'm heading to Italy with my husband in May for an early celebration of our wedding anniversary. There is something about the Italians' appreciation for life – a little more laid-back, more in-the-moment – that appeals to me. But don't be fooled; there's plenty of hard work in Italy, too.I am not known for my patience, but when it comes to cooking, there are some things that are worth the time investment.
For example, I love to bake bread. It's one of the few things that I will slow down for. The bread chapter in this book does not disappoint, and has me planning a fun Saturday with my arms covered in flour, making Blueberry Schiacciata or Fig and Chestnut Bread.
For some reason, though, the two things I do not have any patience for at all is making pie crust (see my "recipe" here) or for making pasta. Just not gonna do it. So I will blithely skip over the chapter about making your own pasta here, ignoring the collective gasp from Italian foodies.
Instead, I'll move on to the sauce recipes that seem stunningly simple from the ingredient list, but require time to perfect. Some recipes take hours and hours to cook and complete, but they pay off in the end with plenty of flavor and depth.
Slow-cooking meats makes them tender and flavorful. Vetri includes several strong recipes here that also make the pay-off worthwhile. And he doesn't disappoint in dessert chapter, either, particularly because he includes a stellar take on rice pudding, one of my favorites.
Nothing that's worth having comes easy, whether it's a trip to Italy or a traditional ragu. You just have to pick your battles and decide what's worth working for (the perfect loaf of bread) and what isn't (boring noodle-making).
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