This magnificent book provides a tantalizing taster of the beauty- of Italv from its city and townscapes to its incomparable countryside. Few countries anywhere in the world can present such a contrast of climates, landscapes, and sheer exuberance in people and place as Itay :
To cover all of Ita1v's numerous charms this book has been assembled in broad regional sections: Northwest Italy and the Ligurian Coast takes us all the way- from the Italian Alps and famous lakes to the much underrated Italian Riviera where the Mediterranean Sea laps against the beautiful coast and long hot summers guarantee beautiful days on the beach. The next section, Northeast Italv; Venice, and the veneto showcases the Adriatic coast and that most magical of places -Venice - the destination most tourists most want to visit.
Central Italy- looks at Rome and the surrounding countryside and, to many people, the most beautiful region of all: Tuscan: North of Rome lies the lesser known Emilia Romagna where much of Italy's fresh fruit and vegetable crops are grown-an area that locals claim is the very best region for Italian food. Finaly; but by no means least, Southern Italy and Sicily looks at Itay "heel and toe." :Although surrounded by the Mediterranean these are hot dry regions that are sadly undervisited and undervalued by- northern Italians as well as tourists. The beautiful island of Sicily lies at the heart of much European history but the beauty of the island is reason enough alone for a visit.
All in all, this wonderful book, full of huge and stunning photographs, is an essential requirement for everyone m-ho loves Italy; her people, her culture, and her food, as well as her towns, cities and countryside.