Book Reviews

Websites are wonderful, and tremendously versatile, but books have an atmosphere that monitors simply lack. Here you will find reviews of books I have liked and think you will too.

The Art of Eating Well
By Pellegrino Artusi. This is my translation of the Italian equivalent of Fannie Farmer, which was published by Random House.

The Food of Southern Italy
It's tremendously varied and can be tremendously refined. A fascinating book by Carlo Middione.

The Cooking of Parma
There's much more to the region than the prosciutto and cheese with which the locals greeted Hannibal. By Richard Camillo Sidoli.

Italian Jewish Cooking
Mira Sacerdoti's warm and fascinating look at Italian Jewish cooking.

Eat Dangerously!
Just the thing if you've had it with the Dietary Police and want to have a fun meal.

Cooking With Grace
Well written, easy-to-follow recipes with a distinctly southern flair.

Naples at Table
Arthur Schwartz takes a fascinating look at Campania, home to one of the greatest Italian cuisines.

Cucina Ebraica, Flavors of the Italian Jewish Kitchen
Joyce Goldstein's skill as a cook and a writer and her eye for detail make for an astonishingly insightful book.

Vinum, The Story of Roman Wine
A fascianting look at the great gift of the Gods that was a cornerstone of Roman life.

A Passion for Piedmont
A fine book on Piemonte's cuisine by Matt Kramer.

Brunello to Zibibbo
A detailed, very nicely done look at Central and South Italian wines from Nicolas Belfrage.

Cooking Up an Italian Life, Simple Pleasures of Italy in Recipes and Stories.
A delightful collection of primarily modern Italian recipes from Sharon Sanders.

Italian Wine For Dummies
An excellent book even the expert will enjoy, from Mary Ewing Mulligan and Ed McCarthy.

Preserving Our Italian Heritage
A fine compendium of classic Italian American home cooking.

La Terra Fortunata
One of the finest books on the cooking of Friuli Venezia Giulia in any language.

The Magic of Fire
A truly stunning book dedicated to hearth cooking, a lost art that you will want to revive.

Vino Italiano
An excellent overview of Italian wines that also steps back to look at the bigger picture from which they come.

Mediterranean Street Food
The cuisines of the Mediterranean, and especially those of the port cities, share many fascinating, tasty similarities.

Italian Comfort Food: Intensive Eating From Fresco
Italian dishes reinterpreted by New York's Al Fresco Restaurant.

Il Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene
A nicely done, beautifully illustrated, complete guide to Prosecco and the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area that you will find quite useful if you want to know about the wines, and invaluable if you decide to visit the area.

Cooking the Roman Way
The cooking of Rome is simple, but delightful and satisfying too, and David Downie does an excellent job of presenting it.

The Cornbread Book
Jeremy Jackson takes a warm look at somehting clasically American, providing much to enjoy, including some decidedly Italian aspects.

Into the Sauce! 100% Authentic South Italian recipes from the Buca di Beppo
The Buca di Beppo is an American restaurant chain specialized in South Italian cuisine, and their book is interesting, with athentic recipes and lavish illustrations. In other words, good to cook by and a good gift too.

Viaggio Tra i Grandi Vini di Sicilia
A beautifully illustrated tour through Sicily, meeting winemakers, discovering their wines, and exploring the land.

The Innocents Abroad
Mark Twain's account of a pleasure cruise through Europe and the Holy Land: Fascinating, varied, and eye-opening.

The Flavors of Southern Italy
Erica De Mane is a superb cook with a fine eye for detail and very good at explaining what she's doing, with mouthwatering results.

The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating
Fergus Henderson takes us ona voyage of culinary discovery, back to our roots, with all sorts of mouthwatering dishes.

Giravino, La Prima Guida Ufficiale del Movimento Turismo del Vino
An excellent guide to Italian wine producing areas and wineries. Something to keep in your car when you visit here.

If you have written a book that has to do with Italy, wines, or fiction, and would like me to review it, please contact me.

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