The Pursuit of Italy

David Gilmour's comprehensive history traces Italy from ancient times through its unification in the 19th century to the present day. The book examines the distinct regions, cultures, and peoples that comprise modern Italy, challenging common assumptions about Italian identity. Through detailed historical analysis and cultural observation, Gilmour explores why Italy's unification may have been premature or misguided. He presents evidence from various Italian regions - from the prosperous north to the less developed south - to demonstrate their profound differences in tradition, dialect, and economic development. The work tackles complex questions about nationalism, cultural identity, and political unity by examining Italy's artistic heritage, economic disparities, and regional loyalties. This historical investigation provides a fresh perspective on Italy's past and present challenges, suggesting that the nation's diversity might have been better preserved through alternative political arrangements.

Readers describe this as a thorough examination of Italy's regional divisions and complex history. Many reviewers note it works better as a collection of regional histories rather than a unified narrative of Italy as a nation. Readers appreciate: - Rich detail on art, culture, and politics - Strong coverage of lesser-known regions - Clear explanations of historical complexities - Quality of research and academic rigor Common criticisms: - Too focused on criticizing Italian unification - Can be dry and dense in places - Lacks cohesion between chapters - Limited coverage of modern Italy Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) Multiple readers note the book "requires concentration" but rewards careful reading. One reviewer states: "It's like reading several separate histories stitched together." Another writes: "Strong on facts but sometimes loses sight of the bigger picture."

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Naples: A Cultural History by Jonathan Morris A portrait of Naples traces the city's evolution from Greek settlement to modern metropolis, illustrating the north-south divide in Italian history.

City of Fortune: How Venice Won and Lost a Naval Empire by Roger Crowley The rise and fall of Venice's maritime republic demonstrates the historical forces that created Italy's independent city-states and regional identities.

🔸 The book challenges the success of the Risorgimento (Italian unification), suggesting that a federation of states might have better served Italy's diverse regions than a centralized nation-state. 🔸 David Gilmour taught at the University of Cambridge and is not to be confused with the Pink Floyd guitarist of the same name - he's authored several acclaimed books about the Mediterranean region. 🔸 Ancient Romans didn't consider themselves "Italian" - the concept of Italia originally referred only to the southern part of the peninsula, roughly from Naples to Calabria. 🔸 Despite being published in 2011, the book's insights about North-South divisions remain relevant today, as Italy's regional economic disparities are among the largest in Western Europe. 🔸 The manuscript took over seven years to complete, with Gilmour traveling extensively throughout Italy's twenty regions to conduct research and interviews.