It's my personal opinion, if your budget limits
your book purchases, but
you want yourself and your family to have easy access to Italian and
Italian
American Culture, one should eschew I-A fiction, and even be cautious
about
narrowly focused books, and make sure you have strong Compendium and/or
Reference Books. (And, they make great gifts for your kids, grand
kids, etc)
The Golden Milestone:
Over 2500 Years of Italian Contributions to
Civilization
(2nd Edition) by Russell R. Esposito is one of those "must have" books!!
List Price: $19.95
Edition: Paperback
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
"The Golden Milestone is a must... Carefully researched and documented....a
pleasurable experience. We give it our highest recommendation." John
Fiore,
MD, President of Italian Cultural Institute of the NY Capital District
"This book is a must-read not only for members of the Italian American
community, but for Italo-philes the world over." Paul Rosetti, Editor,
Italian Tribune
" A milestone achievement...no other book (on Italian heritage) offers
readers more ...educational and a delight to read." C. J. Lepore, Publisher
of Amici Magazine
" The Golden Milestone...really is a treasure trove...it covers an amazing
sweep of Italic heritage and history." Bob Masullo, KYDS 91.5 FM (Sacramento,
CA)
"The Golden Milestone is a monumental achievement... Nothing else comes
close
to this." Gregory Mario Jacovini, Publisher, The Italian Newspaper
"The Golden Milestone is a profound treasure of enlightenment. A required
reference book..." James E. Celeberti, President & CEO, Museum
of Italian
Culture
"...refreshing anthology...a must for any enthusiast, student, or scholar
of
Italian studies, culture and civilization." Professor Nicla A. Gargano,
McMaster University, Humanities Faculty
"Until you read the whole book, you'll never get a sense of the immense
impact of the Italian mind..." Professor Fred Gardaphe,Ph.D., Former
President, American-Italian Historical Assoc.
"...a comprehensive book that just may be considered the bible of Italian
culture and heritage." Anthony Parente, Feature Columnist, About.com
Book Description
This comprehensive book (460 pages) on Italian heritage contains 22
encyclopedic chapters on every subject, from the arts and sciences
to sports
and entertainment celebrities. The author's ability to blend facts,
with some
humor and personal anecdotes makes this book a joy to read.
The book covers the wonders of ancient Rome, Renaissance Italy, as well
as
modern contributions by Italians and Italian-Americans. The book is
illustrated and contains an amazing collection of inventions and
accomplishments.
For example, Italians invented the piano, violin, opera, ballet, battery,
telescope, radio, telephone (on Staten Island in NYC before Alexander
Bell)
and split the atom first. Discover how the Lincoln memorial in Washington
D.C. was carved in NYC by Italian sculptors, and read about the origins
of
many famous fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.).
In the chapter on American Government, the author quotes John F. Kennedy
who
wrote in his book, "A Nation of Immigrants" that the great American
principle
"All men are created equal" originated with an Italian physician Philip
Maezzi, who was a personal friend and neighbor of Thomas Jefferson.
The book has thousands of notable entries. Also, learn about other
distinguished personalities: NYC Mayors, Chairman & CEO of the
New York Stock
Exchange, President of the European Union's Commission and Director
of the
European Space Agency. This book is a must for anyone's library.
>From the Publisher
Published by The New York Learning Library. This book combines two
decades of
careful research with a dash of humor and personal commentary that
makes it
both fascinating and a delight to read. It is very comprehensive and
has been
called "the bible of Italian culture and heritage" by experts on the
subject
(read the many online editorial reviews). It is a must for anyone who
is
interested in Italian heritage or enrolled in Italian Studies programs.
But
the book's comprehensive treatment of history and events renders it
universally appealing since the author provides a context of other
contributing cultures and peoples.
About the Author
The author was born in New York City, graduated from the City College
of New
York and obtained an advanced degree from New York University. In addition
to
writing, he is also a Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
He has
been an instructor at the State University of New York and a Visiting
Professor at Touro College.
===================================================
READERS COMMENTS:
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A joy to browse!, June 23, 2002
Reviewer: Joe Vitale from Wimberley, TX USA
This book is a sheer delight to read, browse, and talk about. I love
it. I
learned things I didn't know and am beginning to feel proud of my Italian
heritage. I suspect the author thinks *everything* came from an Italian,
but
that just makes this book passionate. I say get it. Share it with people.
A
real find.[...]
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A Really Great Book !!, April 19, 2002
Reviewer: tomdano from Oak Ridge, TN
I decided to buy this book after reading the many great editorial reviews,
for example, Anthony Parente (author and columnist) calls The Golden
Milestone the "bible of Italian culture and heritage." I have to say
that he
is right !!! But the books offer much more than facts about Italian
achievements. Mr. Esposito's writing style borders on creative non-fiction.
His introduction is well written, but by the time I got to the end
of his
first chapter I found humor in his writing style, as well. The book
is gently
peppered with some humorous points and short personal comments that
pleasantly surprise the reader periodically. I can't say enough good
things
about the book, you have to read it to discover the lost heritage of
Italians. Italians and Italian-Americans can re-discover their heritage
in
Mr. Esposito's book. Read and enjoy !!!!
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Astonishing Research - BEST BOOK on Italian heritage, December 23,
2000
Reviewer: Joseph Smith from Petersburg, VA
The author should get more than a "five star" review. This book is
very
complete in terms of its research. It is well written and has some
personal
commentary that adds further interest. It is light years ahead of anything
else in print about Italians. Thank you, finally a great book about
great
accomplishments!
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Excellent Book -well researched and well written!!, November 21, 2000
Reviewer: Susanne Abertus from Chicago, Illinois
This book is positively the best book you can read on Italian heritage
and
the cultural legacy that the Italians and Romans have given to the
world.
This is a very complete book. Entries are alphabetically arranged and
well
organized into 20 chapters on specific subjects. The author keeps you
interested by the enormous volume of engaging entries, as well as,
the light
hearted humor he injects in certain areas of the book. An excellent
book in
every way, well written, and well organized.
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The Golden Milestone, October 28, 2000
Reviewer: Andrea Maione from Milan, Italy
BIBLE OF ITALIAN HERITAGE. This book offers a very complete record
of Italian
and Italian-American achievements. I am Italian, born and educated
in Rome,
and still I find that I am surprised by something in every chapter
of this
fantastic book. Very well written, the book's Introduction is a beautiful
summary of so many accomplishments the world has benefited from. The
author
also injects some witty commentary that makes this book even more pleasant
to
read. This book is long overdue - and educates us about the true heritage
the
world received from Rome and Italy and our Italian "cousins" in America.
READ
THIS BOOK - it is a "bible of Italian heritage."
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The Golden Milestone, October 26, 2000
Reviewer: Thomas Giordano from California, US
You can't buy a better book on the subject. This book is a must for
your
library - great information and very very comprehensive! My entire
family is
learning a great deal about our heritage and my kids are learning the
history
that all Italians and Italian-Americans should know. You will learn
how
Romans influenced all of Europe's modern legal systems, you will learn
that
the Great Seal of the U.S. is a very close copy of the Roman Republic's
seal.
In other chapters read how the Romans invented cement and how Italian
Renaissance architects designed most of Russia's cathedrals and castles.
Truly an AMAZING book - 20 great chapters on everything: Art, Fashion,
Sports, Science and more.
---------------------------------------------
The Golden Milestone, October 23, 2000
Reviewer: Peter from NY, NY
Absolutely best book on the subject. The book's 20 chapters cover every
subject under the sun, well written and highly enjoyable. My sons and
I love
the chapter on "Transportation" that tell the history and awards of
Italian
racecars from Alfa Romeo to Maserati and racing motorcycles like Ducati.
This
chapter even has a section on the history and unique proprieties of
gondolas
in Venice and the flying inventions of DaVinci. You need to buy this
book and
add it to your holiday list.
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