The Italians

Praise

“A compact but comprehensive study of the people of Italy. The author puts his finger on the vast diversity of the country through his descriptions of their linguistics, cultures, foods, economies and even journalism. What’s not to love? A thoroughly researched, well-written, ageless narrative of a fascinating people.”—Kirkus, starred review
 
“A sophisticated portrait of the Italians at their best and their worst: charming, imaginative, generous, full of life but also unreliable, more or less corrupt and often downright infuriating. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the humorous twists Mr. Hooper has put to his very perceptive analyses. A worthy and long-overdue successor to Luigi Barzini’s classic The Italians.”—Andrea Di Robilant, author of A Venetian Affair

“John Hooper takes his readers deep into the Italian labyrinth. And they come out alive, with a smile on their faces! A remarkable achievement.”—Beppe Severgnini, author of Ciao America and La Bella Figura

“In vivid and fluid prose, John Hooper has written an indispensible guide to life in Italy past and present. His incisive portrait, at turns hard-hitting and affectionate, reveals the Italians in all their complexity, from their dolce vita and transcendent art to their gut-wrenching social and political struggles.”—Joseph Luzzi, author of My Two Italies

“Thanks to his great curiosity, his splendid comparative and analytical perspective, and a fine eye for telling details, John Hooper gets under the skin of a fascinating people in a remarkable and compelling way.”—Bill Emmott, co-author of the documentary about Italy “Girlfriend in a Coma”

“Here is the history, passion, culture, and contradictions that make Italy and Italians so fascinating. John Hooper’s The Italians is as enjoyable to read as taking a trip to my favorite country!” —Ann Hood, author of An Italian Wife