Italianissimo (literally, very very Italian) profiles fifty enticing Italian contributions to culture high and low, from the lofty realm of great ideas to the delicious realities of cuisine, fashion, cinema, and much more—an eclectic mix of the customs, culture, and concepts that embody the essence of Italy. This intimate guide will enlighten and enrich all journeys to Italy, both real and imaginary, and holds a wealth of sophisticated information about such icons as:hand gestures, patron saints, pasta, parmesan, the piazza, the Fiat 500, ex votos, fashion, Neo-realist cinema, authority figures, Pinocchio, the Italian male, the mezzaluna, shoes, opera, the Vespa, the Ferrari, gelato, gondolas, and more.
You’ll also find out:
• Why lines, as we know them, are nonexistent in Italy;
• Why a string of coral beads is often seen around a baby’s wrist;
• What the unlucky number of Italy is (it’s not thirteen, unless seating guests at a table, when it IS thirteen—taking into account the outcome of the Last Supper);
• Why red underwear begins to appear in shops as the New Year approaches
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