Italy: History and Landscape » (Special Value)

Italy: Landscape and History looks at the natural and architectural delights of one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, it seems as if around every corner in Italy lies a beautiful Roman ruin, a wonderful Renaissance church, or a breathtaking timeless village view. But it is not just the buildings that are beautiful: Italy's landscapes—high mountains, rolling hills and valleys, and sun-washed coasts have inspired generations. Italians seem to have an innate feeling for color and design, and when you study their countryside it comes as no surprise that so many of the world's greatest artists, poets, and musicians came from this wonderful land.

After a short introduction, Italy: Landscape and History divides the country into sections on:

• Rome and Lazio
Venice and the Northeast
• Florence and Tuscany
• Milan, Lombardy, and the Alps
• Bolzano and the Dolomites
• Perugia and Umbria
• Le Marche, the Apennines, and the Adriatic Coast
• Turin and Piedmont
• Genoa and the Italian Riviera
• Naples and the Amalfi Coast
• Bari and the South
• Palermo and Sicily
• Cagliari and Sardinia

Each section gives a flavor of the area, its countryside and historic buildings, from the snowy Alps of the north, through the magical atmosphere of Venice and the Veneto, romantic Tuscany, and central Italy—Perugia and Umbria, Lazio and Emilia Romagna—to the hot Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Author Eugene Beer lives in Italy and loves its people, culture, language, and landscape—this allows him to present a view of the country with an insider's knowledge and eye. For anyone planning a holiday here or even just dreaming of vineyards or olive groves under blue skies, this is the book for you.

Eugen Beer has long been an admirer of Italian culture and history as well as being extremely enthusiastic about its food and wine. After living in London for 20 years he bought and restored a run down farmhouse overlooking the Etruscan city of Orvietoin Umbria. He now lives there full time with his wife, dog and two hens.