Title
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.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food'? A: The main theme of 'Delizia!' is the exploration of Italian food as a reflection of Italy's history, showcasing how urban centers influenced culinary traditions through a blend of culture, politics, and social dynamics.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Delizia!' and what is his background? A: The author, John Dickie, is a historian and master storyteller known for his engaging narratives that intertwine history and culinary culture, providing readers with insights into Italian food and its origins.
- Q: What type of book is 'Delizia!' and what is its condition? A: 'Delizia!' is a hardcover historical book published in 2008. This particular copy is categorized as 'Used Book in Good Condition'.
- Q: How many pages does 'Delizia!' have? A: 'Delizia!' contains a total of 384 pages, offering an extensive exploration of Italian culinary history.
- Q: When was 'Delizia!' published? A: 'Delizia! The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food' was published on January 8, 2008.
- Q: Is 'Delizia!' suitable for food enthusiasts? A: 'Delizia!' is highly suitable for food enthusiasts, as it combines vivid storytelling with historical context, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in Italian cuisine and culture.
- Q: What makes 'Delizia!' different from other food history books? A: 'Delizia!' stands out due to its dynamic narrative style, in-depth research, and its focus on the influence of Italian cities on food culture, rather than merely listing recipes or dishes.
- Q: Does 'Delizia!' include any historical recipes? A: 'Delizia!' features insights into medieval recipes and culinary practices that highlight Italy's rich culinary heritage, though it is primarily a historical account rather than a cookbook.
- Q: What is the significance of pasta's origins mentioned in 'Delizia!'? A: 'Delizia!' discusses the true origins of pasta, challenging common myths and revealing the influence of various cultures on its development in Italian cuisine.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for someone interested in Italian culture? A: 'Delizia!' makes an excellent gift for anyone interested in Italian culture, food history, or culinary arts, providing a captivating read that celebrates Italy's gastronomic achievements.