The Oxford Illustrated History of Italy (Oxford Illustrated Histories)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 424 pages
• Published by: Oxford University Press, USA May 24, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0192854445
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0192854445
• Book Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 1.8 pounds

Product Review
George Holmes's well-written, heavily illustrated narrative offers a broad view of Italian history from the early days of the Roman empire to the beginning of the 1990s. Italy as we know it, Holmes notes, is a fairly modern invention, the product of the 19th-century Risorgimiento and the unification of the nation for the first time in centuries. He explores the reasons for this, noting the tendency of Italian regions to turn inward and form small alliances with immediate neighbors, a tendency that expresses itself today in the northern Italian movement for secession. Holmes also considers the role of the arts in the formation of Italian identity and provides snapshots of major points in the nation's history. It all makes for a useful one-volume reference. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Colonial Latin American Historical Review, Winter 1999
Wonderfully illustrated with over 175 plates, twenty-four of which are in color, this book recounts the history of Italy from the Roman Empire to 1997.This work is of interest to those curious about Italy, but above that, to those interested in the Latin legacy that has influenced much of the world. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
Sadly, the Oxford Illustrated is a complete disappointment. Each chapter is written by a specialist, which is a promising start. Each chapter, however, seems to presuppose that the reader is already completely conversant with the period covered. The chapters are littered with references to people or events that have not been introduced or explained. Instead of providing an overview, context, and the essential events; most of the authors seem bent on proving points to other specialists in academia. There is almost no continuity between the chapters. The prose of most of the authors does not rise above the most tedious of museum "curatorese". The mind swims, the eyes water, the head nods with boredom and frustration. Interestingly, the brightest and most interesting parts are the illustrations themselves, and their captions. Alas, these are a few scattered jewels in the wasteland. How did such a failure happen? I would guess that the editor either did not provide sufficient instruction to the authors, or did not impose any sort of editorial direction on the book. But ultimately, the blame for this failure lies with the publishers. Oxford University Press has cheapened their reputation by publishing this half-baked collection of disjointed essays. I'm still looking for a good one-volume history of Italy - any suggestions?