A lively and engaging narrative history showing the common threads in the cultures that gave birth to our own. This is the first volume in a bold new series that tells the stories of all peoples; connecting historical events from Europe to the Middle East to the far coast of China; while still giving weight to the characteristics of each country. Susan Wise Bauer provides both sweeping scope and vivid attention to the individual lives that give flesh to abstract assertions about human history.Dozens of maps provide a clear geography of great events; while timelines give the reader an ongoing sense of the passage of years and cultural interconnection. This old-fashioned narrative history employs the methods of “history from beneathâ€â€•literature; epic traditions; private letters and accounts―to connect kings and leaders with the lives of those they ruled. The result is an engrossing tapestry of human behavior from which we may draw conclusions about the direction of world events and the causes behind them. 13 illustrations; 80 maps
#439029 in Books Peter D Epiro 2001-10-02 2001-10-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.99 x .87 x 5.18l; .69 #File Name: 038572019X416 pagesSprezzatura 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Wonderful WorkBy BillIf you know me; you know that I am very proud of my Italian heritage. I have often said if you take the 15th century contributions made by Florence to the western world they would rival; if not exceed; the contribution of some nations for all time. If one were to look at the entire history of Italy; you could see that the contributions are beyond any other nation.As you can see; I have a great love for the land of my ancestors. I am passionately interested in the history of Italy as well as the culture. I have read multiple Italian histories. What I enjoyed about this book is that it provided a good survey of both.The book is a good starting point for anyone interested in history. Each of the 50 chapters is a concise discussion of important contribution Italy has made to the world. It gives the reader a taste of interesting topics that they can then go on to research in more detail.If there is any criticism that I could make of the book is that it is a summation. So; when the author describes the Roman contribution to architecture; he discusses architecture in general. This; however; is a minor criticism of the book. If one were to discuss all the contributions Italians have made to architecture; it would fill a book in and of itself. The same is true for each of the chapters. There are just too many contributions made by Italy to be discussed in detail by any one book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Where would we be without Italian genius across the centuries?By Nancy L. DAntuonoSprezzatura offers the American reader unfamiliar with the accomplishments in Italian history; literature; nuclear science;medicine; and fashion that have contributed to our present reality. The book offers a richer outlook on the Italian cultural heritage; one that goes way beyond what is offered as Italian culture by programs like the Sopranos and films that focus almost exclusively on Italian-American gangsters.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Italophile's delightBy S. RosenfeldOne of the charms of this unique book is the ability to meander over the centuries; letting your mood choose the entry; and yet feeling a sense of context; because of the authors' tight chronological organization. The writing is lively; and I appreciated the avoidance of idolatry. Appreciation yes; but with a healthy sense of distance.
