So, my favorite thing to read is probably medieval historical fiction. Books about italy im compulsively reading and rereading. Great historical fiction book to prepare for italy rick. Mar 27, 2020 when i first set out to put together a list of the best books about italy, i had planned on including around 10 books. I read in a recent post that someone likes to read novels related to regions they visit prior to going. Books have played a large role in my relationship with florence, italy and i. Books set in florence score a books total score is based on multiple factors, including the number of people who have voted for it and how highly those voters ranked the book. Here is the shortlist of ten readable books set in italy, with a historical or art historical element any time period. Apr 26, 2011 quite a bit back in time, but when you say italy you cant get around the romans.
Maybe dan browns books arent your cup of tea, but he has written pageturners that have created readers from nonreaders, and have sparked passion and interest in history and art. This wartsandall illustrated guide to the most significant popes in. Italy is one of the most popular european vacation countries. Whether youre dreaming of traveling to italy or actually planning your trip, these books will be useful. For fans of indie e books enter keywords in the smashwords search bar, followed by a comma for example. The art and culture of cities like florence and rome, the lagos of the north, the tuscan countryside and the splendors of veniceitaly conjures up a. Jul 10, 20 maybe dan browns books arent your cup of tea, but he has written pageturners that have created readers from nonreaders, and have sparked passion and interest in history and art. Italy has provided an unsurpassed backdrop for many memorable novels. The snack thief an inspector montalbano mystery cry wolf a sebastiano cangio thriller book 1 only 2 left in stock order soon. Venice is a fascinating city with an equally fascinating history. Sarah dunants epic novel of sixteenthcentury renaissance italy is a story about the sins of pleasure and the pleasures of sin, an intoxicating mix of fact and fiction, and a dazzling portait of one of the worlds greatest cities at its most potent moment in history.
Books to read before you visit florence, italy partway there. Which may be why, although i started out this post planning to write a gift guide something i do every couple of years i found that everything that came to mind to include was a book while that partly speaks to the fact that im a nerd bookworm, it also speaks to something else. Sep 10, 2007 next year i am planning a trip to italy ive read alot of historical fiction about ancient rome but how about any novels that would give me some context for the things i will see in florence or venice. Starting with little novels of sicily by giovanni verga, published in 1883, which draws on vergas childhood in sicily then one of the poorest places in europe. This list of eight novels set in florence includes both historical fiction, and.
In these historical fiction books that take place in venice, youll learn about venices history from convents to courtesans and the citys historic workshops and traditional arts. The breathtaking historical novel about love, beauty, the politics of sex and the power of loyalty set in venice. The best italian novels five books expert recommendations. Five great historical novels set in italy italy travel. Historical novels set in italy candida martinellis. Novels or historical fiction set in florencetuscany. Florence provides the setting for numerous books past and present, and. The unique, romantic city of venice makes a fascinating setting for novels, historical fiction, and mystery books.
A different travel guide to italy, information on the culture, food, and off the beaten track destinations from martha bakerjian. Sep 07, 2017 so, my favorite thing to read is probably medieval historical fiction. Most of these authors are still cranking out sequels at a rate of one every 15 years. Knowing that it was a movie version of historical fiction, i went on to read robert edsels 3 non fiction books, beginning with the monuments men. Italy makes a good backdrop for historical fiction. Im going for my first visit to the region this summer and wondered if anyone had any tips for fiction set in tuscany. Discover the best historical italian fiction in best sellers. It is regarded as one of the greatest architectural feats in italy, and florence. Historical or any fiction in italy historical fiction. All the light we cannot see, by anthony doerr a young bli. I want to get your input on your favorite reads set in places we are visiting.
They are the protagonists in our favorite englishlanguage mystery series set in contemporary italy. Heavily illustrated, this classic presents the architectural life of italy from the th through the 16th. Historical fiction about building the libraries of florence and the unearthing and translation of lucretius the nature of things and the move into the modern world of pleasure. The 11 best books and novels set in venice italy of 2020. Venice is a city that steals the hearts of readers and authors alike, as evidenced by some of literatures best books set in venice, italy. The city even has its own englishlanguage cultural supplement the florentine. Find how easter week in italy is usually celebrated, although most of these wont be happening in 2020. The borgias by sarah dunant, the borgia bride by jeanne ka. Ah, so youre going to italy to florence the jewel of the italian. Tuscan traveler welcomes suggestions for books to add to the list. The man cannot remember who he was or how he became so badly burned. May 08, 2019 the italian south is a part of the world in which many americans have roots. Quite a bit back in time, but when you say italy you cant get around the romans. He tends to write about controversial famous women in history.
Ten books to read before coming to florence select study abroad. In a travelogue thats both personal and historical, even a quest for procuring new shoelaces in a small town teaches about local legend and hospitality. The mezzogiorno, as its knownwhich includes the states of sicily, calabria, campania, basilicata, puglia, abruzzo and moliseis where the majority of 5 million italian emigrants departed from before arriving in america. Learn a little about the citys history and art so you can really appreciate it. Jul 10, 2014 27 great books set in venice venice is a city that steals the hearts of readers and authors alike, as evidenced by some of literatures best books set in venice, italy. A list of historical fiction books set in or around italy in any time period, from renaissance to world war two. The architecture of the italian renaissance peter murray, 1969. When i think back, the first historical fiction that i remember reading was a tale of two cities in high school m. Starting with little novels of sicily by giovanni verga, published in 1883, which draws on vergas childhood in sicily then one of the poorest places in europe verga is simply one of the great narrators of all time and his novellas are probably among the best pieces of fiction written in italy, ever. Jul 12, 2017 heres your allaccess pass into the ultimate historical fiction guide. No matter where i am in the world, i have a shelf devoted to books about italy. Of all the books to choose from about florence, which are either based there, or are influenced by that fabulous italian city, these are the top books you should read before your trip.
Set mainly in a convent orphanage where young girls are trained to be musicians, this book is a fascinating look at 18th century venice. A novel of vivaldis venice by laurel corona the four seasons is historical fiction that takes place in venice during the time of vivaldi. Historical fiction that is somehow also star trek would be the best, but that would involve time travel and might fuck with the spacetime continuum and then youd get the department of temporal investigation involved, and those guys are cranky. Then that turned into 20 and then 30 because as it turns out, there are a lot of amazing books about italy. Here are our recommended guidebooks and books about italy. I am mostly looking for fiction or creative nonfiction. Others allow more leeway, allowing the author to put real people into imaginary situations, as long as the historical outcome remains unaltered. The store can also be used to just browse for books about italy without the need to make a purchase. Although not all of them are based in the renaissance city itself, you will still learn about cultural aspects, important historical facts, the importance of some of the art, and the small pleasures in life that. What is it about this ancient canalway city that piques the imagination.
Theres of course a lot of historical fiction about that time period, but in my opinion the best books are by colleen mccullough. Before a visit to florence, its nice to set the scene by reading a good novel. Between them they have published 71 wonderful novels set in italy in the last twentyfive years. Travelogues, guidebooks, italian food books, and novels. Tuscan travelers picks novels to read before going to. The years best historical fiction to bring the past to life and make it matter, historical fiction must do more than conjure up an exotic backdrop for. You will find below a number of interesting books, including other novels by dan brown, books and guides about florence, books about mystery and symbolism, and books by or about dante alighieri you can find both books and ebooks, including inexpensive and free editions clicking on the link will take you to the website, where you can often find several formats of the same book. Nonfiction the architecture of the italian renaissance peter murray, 1969. Venice historical fiction discover 16th 18th century venice from gondolas and glassblowing to the world of vivaldi, medicine, and courtesans in these 10 historical fiction books. Having barely escaped with her life, she vows to survive at all costs years later, amidst the winding streets and majestic facades of florence, two murders are not all they seem. I stuck to the sections on florence and siena since those are the places we stayed, but would dive back in if we went other places in tuscany and umbria. In this historical novel set in renaissance florence, eliot depicts the. Florence, the heart of renaissance italy, is the second mostvisited city in europe. Novels or historical fiction set in florencetuscany 8 years ago.
The first three novels in the inspector montalbano seriesthe shape of water. So, i was wondering if you had some suggestions for novels set in florence tuscany area that are good. Having barely escaped with her life, she vows to survive at all costs years later, amidst the winding streets and majestic facades of florence, two murders are not all. History of florence and of the affairs of italy by. Books make great gifts for the person who loves italy or is planning a trip. The past decade has seen a spate of art historical fiction set in italy, some of it well researched, some juicy, some pretty awful. To learn more about florence and tuscany past and present, check out a few of these books and films. With so many choices, it might be hard to choose which places in florence are worth taking the time to go toespecially when you only have a few days. Read angels and demons and then travel to romeyou can visit the places in the book in real life, which make them all the more exciting. Florence is one of italys most popular cities for visitors. You might like the swervehow the world became modern by stephen greenblatt is just out. A city that steals the hearts of readers and authors, as evidenced by some of literatures best novels set in venice. Heavily illustrated, this classic presents the architectural life of italy from the th through.
This wartsandall illustrated guide to the most significant popes in history is a readable bestseller. The books listed below include examples of historical fiction by the strictest of definitions, as well as those that fudge the rules a bit or a lot. I love the history books that make the ancient city come alive, or the. Last month i started my online book club and asked for your recommendations for books set in italy. In the colourful world of fifteenthcentury italy, luciana vetra is young and beautiful, a parttime model and fulltime whore. Forster uses florence as the background for a romance story and a humorous critique of prudish british society. Unforgettable novels set in italy italy has provided an unsurpassed backdrop for many memorable novels. Tuscan travelers picks nonfiction books to read before. Verga is simply one of the great narrators of all time and his novellas are probably among the best pieces of fiction written in italy. We start with a coffee table book with stunning photos and author quotes. Here are books to help make your visit to florence more enjoyable. This novel is just incredible whether or not youre going to florence.
This historical novel covers nearly michelangelos entire life. Here are my recommendations for books that take place in venice, all of which i have read and enjoyed. It is famous for its incredible art, tormented history and tasty cuisine. In addition that wonderful supplement, here are 5 books to get travellers in the mood for this gem in the midst of tuscany. Allied heroes, nazi thieves, and the greatest treasure hunt in history, on which the movie was based. The italian south is a part of the world in which many americans have roots. The art and culture of cities like florence and rome, the lagos of the north, the tuscan countryside and the splendors of venice italy conjures up a picture of life as only its spectacular regions can. The phrase usually refers to the bonfire of 7 february 1497, when supporters of dominican friar girolamo savonarola collected and burned thousands of objects such as cosmetics, art, and books in florence, italy on the shrove tuesday festival. In these historical fiction books that take place in venice, youll learn about venices history from convents to courtesans and the citys historic workshops and traditional arts these are my favorite novels about venice as an amazon associate i earn from qualifying book purchases, which helps defer the cost of. Whether or not you consider yourself a fan of historical fiction, youve heard the names hilary mantel, eleanor catton, anthony doerr and kristin hannah repeatedly over recent years.
Next year i am planning a trip to italy ive read alot of historical fiction about ancient rome but how about any novels that would give me some context for. Filippo brunelleschi was the famous engineer and designer. No longer dismissed as bodicerippers rife with anachronisms or dreary textbooks dressed up in barely discernible plots, historical fiction is gaining the respect of critics. When i first set out to put together a list of the best books about italy, i had planned on including around 10 books. I was just rereading a trip report i submitted last week and i hadnt realized how much historical fiction books, not movies has influenced how meaningful a trip can be for me. The story is set at the beginning of the 20th century, and the first part of the book follows. Nov 21, 2016 the book recommends novels set in tuscany, novels set in florence, and other books based in italy. To learn more about italy past and present, check out some of these books and films. Tuscan travelers picks nonfiction books to read before going to italy in 2016 december 9, 2015 florence ann with so many of your friends and family planning to travel to italy in 2016, this holiday season is the perfect time for the gift of a book or two that will enrich their experience. How a renaissance genius reinvented architecture ross king, 2000. History is reimagined as florence nightingale, famed war nurse, and gustavo flaubert. So, i was wondering if you had some suggestions for novels set in florencetuscany area that are good. Novels or historical fiction set in florencetuscany tripadvisor. Historical fiction books set in venice, italy marthas italy.
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