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Expand your knowledge of this beautiful country...

Check out these recommendations

by Stephanie Storey

A captivating historical novel that chronicles the rivalry between two artistic geniuses, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, during the Italian Renaissance.

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by Ross King

A historical account of the artist's tumultuous journey in painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. It delves into the political and artistic challenges Michelangelo faced, providing a rich and immersive narrative.

by Ross King

The book explores Brunelleschi's innovative techniques, his personal background, and the sociopolitical context of fifteenth-century & how he designed and constructed the dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, solving significant engineering challenges that had stumped others for over a century.

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by Joseph Luzzi

A combination of artistic detective story and rich intellectual history, Botticelli’s Secret shows not only how the Renaissance came to life, but also how Botticelli’s art helped bring it about

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by Miles Unger

The life of one of the most revolutionary artists in history, told through the story of six of his greatest masterpieces.

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by Walter Isaacson

Exploring the life and works of the Renaissance polymath by examining thousands of pages from his notebooks and new discoveries about his art and science. The book presents a narrative that unites Da Vinci’s artistic and scientific endeavors, emphasizing his intense curiosity, observation, and imagination, which contributed to his creativity and genius.

by John and Nancy Petralia

Part memoir, part commentary, quirky and sincere, Not in a Tuscan Villa is about having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and do something challenging in later life.

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by Frances Mayes

a 400+ pages love letter, travelogue and guidebook! With a chapter for each of Italy's regions, Mayes shares her favorite places, restaurants, hotels and wines in addition to some historical contexts and personalities where helpful.

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by Judith Testa

Concentrating on a number of the greatest works, by such masters as Botticelli and Michelangelo, Testa explains each piece in terms of what it meant to the people who produced it and for whom they made it, deftly treating the complex interplay of politics, sex, and religion that were involved in the creation of those works.

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by Frances Mayes

The story of four American strangers who bond in Italy and change their lives over the course of an exceptional year.

by R. A. Scotti

In this dramatic journey through religious and artistic history, R. A. Scotti traces the defining event of a glorious the building of St. Peter's Basilica

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by Frances Mayes

Part memoir, part travelogue, part cookbook: it’s filled with Mayes’s own Italian recipes, gardening advice, and musings on the Tuscany region of Italy, as well as her ongoing renovation of the villa.

by Strawpaper Press

Authentic recipes that have been used successfully in Italian kitchens for years.

PASTA's more than 150 recipes include many classical dishes as well as some that reflect changes that have been taking place in Italian cooking over the past forty years

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by Marcella Hazan

This cookbook is the ultimate guide for anyone wanting to learn authentic Italian cooking. Marcella Hazan brings timeless Italian recipes together in one volume. It caters to cooks of all levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

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by  Patty Civalleri

Patty merges her lifelong loves of travel and deep history to create a new genre of guidebook for the vacationer that cherishes deep travel.

mobile app

A free app loaded with quick, bite-sized lessons, you’ll earn points and unlock new levels while gaining real-world communication skills.

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a TV show found on Netflix

The series follows the House of Medici, bankers of the Pope, in 15th-century Florence. Each season follows the events of a particular moment of the family's history exploring the political and artistic landscape of Renaissance Italy.

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a TV show

Follow along as Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines.

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podcasts & more

Education meets entertainment when Dr. Rocky brings the art, history, and culture of Italy right into your living room.

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by  Patty Civalleri

This book focuses on seasoned travelers, as it takes visitors to a deeper Venice. Crowd-avoidance is important in Venice and this author demonstrates how to see the top places from other than the common viewpoints. 

*summaries taken from online 

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