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. 
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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. 
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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.