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Between Salt Water and Holy Water

A History of Southern Italy

Tommaso Astarita author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:WW Norton & Co

Published:8th Sep '06

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Between Salt Water and Holy Water cover

The history of southern Italy is entirely distinct from that of northern Italy, yet it has never been given its own due. In this authoritative and wholly engrossing history, distinguished scholar Tommaso Astarita "does a masterful job of correcting this error" (Mark Knoblauch, Booklist). From the Normans and Angevins, through Spanish and Bourbon rule, to the unification of Italy in 1860, Astarita rescues Sicily and the worlds south of Rome from the dustier folds of history and restores them to sparkling life. We are introduced to the colorful religious observances, the vibrant historical figures, the diverse population, the ancient ruins, beautiful landscapes, sweet music, and magnificent art—all of which inspired visitors to claim that one had to "see Naples, and then die."

"Astarita successfully compiles a fascinating insight into a much misunderstood land." -- The Italian Magazine
"Astarita has produced an accessible and compelling history of an oft-ignored region." -- BBC Magazine
"Wonderful…the best introduction in any language to a complex and fascinating region." -- Anthony Grafton

ISBN: 9780393328677

Dimensions: 211mm x 140mm x 23mm

Weight: 452g

354 pages