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Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food
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Buon appetito! Everyone loves Italian food. But how did the Italians come to eat so well?The answer lies amid the vibrant beauty of Italy s historic cities. For a thousand years, they have been magnets for everything that makes for great eating: ingredients, talent, money, and power. Italian food is city food.From the bustle of medieval Milan s marketplace to the banqueting halls of Renaissance Ferrara; from street stalls in the putrid alleyways of nineteenthcentury Naples to the noisy trattorie of postwar Rome: in rich slices of urban life, historian and master storyteller John Dickie shows how taste, creativity, and civic pride blended with princely arrogance, political violence, and dark intrigue to create the world s favorite cuisine. Delizia! is much more than a history of Italian food. It is a history of Italy told through the flavors and character of its cities.A dynamic chronicle that is full of surprises, Delizia! draws back the curtain on much that was unknown about Italian food and exposes the longheld canards. It interprets the ancient Arabic map that tells of pasta s true origins, and shows that Marco Polo did not introduce spaghetti to the Italians, as is often thought, but did have a big influence on making pasta a part of the American diet. It seeks out the medieval recipes that reveal Italy s long love affair with exotic spices, and introduces the great Renaissance cookery writer who plotted to murder the Pope even as he detailed the aphrodisiac qualities of his ingredients. It moves from the opulent theater of a Renaissance wedding banquet, with its gargantuan tencourse menu comprising hundreds of separate dishes, to the thin soups and bland polentas that would eventually force millions to emigrate to the New World. It shows how early pizzas were disgusting and why Mussolini championed risotto. Most important, it explains the origins and growth of the world s greatest urban food culture.With its delectable mix of vivid storytelling, groundbreaking research, and shrewd analysis, Delizia! is as appetizing as the dishes it describes. This passionate account of Italy s civilization of the table will satisfy foodies, history buffs, Italophiles, travelers, students and anyone who loves a welltold tale.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has three hundred eighty-four pages. It's a comprehensive exploration of Italian culinary history.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Delizia!'? A: The book measures six inches in length, one point two inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book features hardcover binding. This provides durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Delizia!'? A: The author of this book is John Dickie. He is a historian known for his engaging storytelling.
- Q: What is the genre of 'Delizia!'? A: This book falls under the history genre. It specifically focuses on the history of Italian food and culture.
- Q: How do I use this book? A: You can read 'Delizia!' to learn about Italian culinary history. It's suitable for anyone interested in food, history, or culture.
- Q: Is 'Delizia!' suitable for children? A: Yes, this book is suitable for older children and teenagers. It provides insights into history and culture that can be educational.
- Q: What kind of reader would enjoy this book? A: Foodies, history buffs, and Italophiles would enjoy this book. It's perfect for anyone who loves stories about culture and cuisine.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store 'Delizia!' in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most retailers have a return policy for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: Typically, books do not come with a warranty. However, check with the retailer for specific return policies.
- Q: How does 'Delizia!' compare to other food history books? A: Unlike many food history books, 'Delizia!' focuses on the interplay of urban life and cuisine in Italy. It offers unique insights into the cultural significance of food.
- Q: Is this book recommended for beginners in Italian cuisine? A: Yes, 'Delizia!' is recommended for beginners. It provides a rich context that can inspire those new to Italian cooking.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Delizia!'? A: The book explores themes of cultural pride, political history, and the evolution of Italian cuisine. It delves into how these elements shape food culture.
- Q: Are there any recipes included in 'Delizia!'? A: No, 'Delizia!' does not include recipes. It focuses on historical narratives rather than cooking instructions.