Italianissimo

Description

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

Louise Fili is a graphic designer specializing in logo, package, restaurant, type, and book design. She was art director of Pantheon Books from 1978 to 1989, where she designed more than 2000 book jackets. She has received awards from every major design competition, has taught and lectured on graphic design and typography, and her work is in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress, the Coooper Hewitt Museum, and the Bibliotheque Nationale. She was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and is the co-author of 11 books on design. Fili was recently inducted into the Art Directors Hall of Fame. Lise Apatoff, originally from Chicago, has been living on a farm in the Tuscan countryside north of Florence since 1978. She shares her intimate understanding of Italy as a teacher, travel coordinator and museum lecturer by making the "the living classroom of the Renaissance" come alive for visitors of all of ages by imparting a passion for art, history, and the countless delightful nuances of the Italian culture.

"The hysterical Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff had me in tears of laughter. The book covers the prerequisite fabulous wine, olive oil and vegetables and also touches on other important culinary strengths like making coffee. Some of the funnier pages highlight Italian idiosyncrasies like the inability to stand in line and the adoration of Italian men of their mothers." --The San Francisco Examiner "As you would expect from a designer of Fili's caliber, the book is not only charming but gorgeous. Essays are elegantly laid out and accompanied by memorable photos, collages and, best of all, an illustrated chart of hand gestures. Weight and comprehensiveness are not the objectives here; the diminutive size of Italianissimo makes it ideal for carrying in purse, suitcase or even backpack, in case you plan on trekking across Italy. This little book may entice you to do so." --STEP inside design "What do Italians do best? Many things, according to 'Italianissimo,' a most unusual and idiosyncratic guide to Italian culture. The list includes things that one might expect, such as balsamic vinegar, coffee, soccer, gelato and the art of eating, to quirky items such as hand gestures, neorealist cinema, patron saints, the motor scooter and, my personal favorite, Pinocchio. What makes the book especially enjoyable is the surprising quality of the choices. The Fiat 500 (the Italian car made for the masses, was introduced in 1936, followed by the Nuova Fiat 500 in 1957. Discontinued for a while, it reappeared in 2007 in time for its 50th anniversary) Also here is the piazza, or town square, as Italian an icon as you'll get." --The Chicago Tribune "Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best is a slight but informative and entertaining compendium of all things Italian. Authors Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff write brief and engaging summaries of mores and manners, cultural traditions and icons. The encyclopedic book covers patron saints and Pinocchio, opera and olive oil; gelato and gondolas...While the book is a diverting read, there's also practical advice for those who will be traveling to Italy." --The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "From the A of aceto balsamico to the V of vespa, this gorgeous little hardback has a classy 1920s look, each double-page spread introducing a different element of Italian culture with a short explanation alongside bright, appealing and often vintage photos...What makes this book really stand out is that it sparkles with so many overlooked elements of life in Italy...There is also practical information although the focus is definitely on culture and the tone is light and fun...it pays homage to Italy and does so in a stylish and eclectic way, making the country's icons burst with life. In short, this sleek and sassy guide to Italian culture fa molto bella figura." --The Florentine "Italianissimo - The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best is a small book, just over 100 pages, but it packs an enormous amount of pleasure into its modest borders. We shouldn't be surprised-it's designed by Louise Fili, one of the truly great graphic designers, and written with Lise Apatoff. Within: Vespas, pasta, Italian light, shoes, soccer, and more. A cover-to-cover delight. " --Manhattan User's Guide "With the help of Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best, I can do some delightful armchair traveling...This nice square book, with glorious photos and great design, is itself very Italian-and, like a serving of pasta at Dal Bolognese in Rome, just enough to satisy. The book is a list of 50 categories. Each gets a two-page spread: smart text, full-page photo. Like a luxury magazine, only on a single subject-the glory of the Italian spirit...Good enough to eat, yes?" --Jesse Kornbluth, HeadButler.com "For the veteran or budding Italophile, there's a new book, Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best, by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff, that offers a special look at all things Italian, from L'Aceto Balsamico (balsamic vinegar) to La Vespa (the wasp-shaped motor scooter)-all in alphabetical order too. For my money, this (and watching almost any Fellini film) is the next best thing to being there. And there's no fare la coda (waiting on line-or not) at il mercato (the market) or suffering le autorita (authority figures) oril maschio (the Italian male) to get a copy." -The Daily Heller, by Print Magazine