Having travelled extensively all his life, Francesco da Mosto, author of the bestselling Francesco's Venice, has always been fascinated by the differences in language, traditions, cuisine, art, architecture and landscape of each region of his country, despite their proximity to each other. He believes such rich variations and surprising contradictions reflect the true nature of Italy and this is the subject of Francesco's Italy, which explores the history, culture and everyday life of Italy. Accompanying a vibrant BBC2 series, Francesco's Italy takes the form of a journey. From Venice, his birthplace and home, Francesco travels southwards to the Sicilian capital Palermo, his mother's hometown. As he visits the spectacular lakes and fashionable cities of the north, and passes through the hills of Tuscany, heading south towards Rome, Naples and finally Palermo, Francesco describes the local artistic and architectural treasures and cultural traditions, while exploring the historical background and uncovering fascinating legends. He introduces us to many of the characters who populate Italy's history, from Federico da Montefeltro, quintessential Renaissance man and illegitimate brother of the Count of Urbino, who unexpectedly rose to power in the fifteenth century after his brother's assassination, to Michaelangelo and his difficult relations with Pope Julius II while painting the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel in the early sixteenth century. Francesco's narrative journey also encompasses Italian society and the Italian people as they are today, and he delights in sharing anecdotes from his own family life as well as stories he picks up from friends and unusual characters he meets on his travels. Illustrated with stunning photographs by John Parker, Francesco's Italy brings together the Italy we all know and love and the secret side of the country that only an insider can reveal.

A celebration of the art and beauty of Italy - its cathedrals, churches, palaces, opera houses, paintings, sculpture and music.

About the Author
Francesco da Mosto, the presenter of the BBC2 series that this book accompanies, is an architect, historian and filmmaker. His busy studio in Venice has designed and supervised many restoration projects and has participated in local and international design competitions. Francesco has worked extensively in both cinema and television since 1984. He presented the hugely successful series Francesco's Venice in 2004 and Francesco's Mediterranean Voyage in 2008 and wrote the accompanying books.

Reviews
"A superbly illustrated and meticulously researched guide... A definite must-buy for Italophiles everywhere" * Good Book Guide *
"[An] eloquent exploration of Italian culture... Stunning photographs provide a fitting backdrop to Francesco's artistic journey" * Living Abroad *
"Cultural marvels along with da Mosto's relaxed, quietly infectious charm make for a rather splendid mix" * The Times *
"As a man whose ancestors have lived in Venice for more than 1,500 years, Count Francesco da Mosto knows the city better than most... He talks of Venice with passion and insider knowledge. He has charm to burn and he's an absorbing guide." * Telegraph *
"[Francesco] shows an Italy that we would never see on our own." * Chicago Tribune *



Book Information
ISBN 9780563493488
Author Francesco da Mosto
Format Hardback
Page Count 216
Imprint BBC Books
Publisher Ebury Publishing
Weight(grams) 962g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 220mm * 20mm