15 of The Best Books About Italy to Read in 2021

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15 of the Best Books About Italy

We’ve rounded up 15 of the best books about Italy. What hits your mind whenever you hear about Italian books? Is it novels and memoirs? Or is it art and travel guides? Whatever the case, you will agree that Italy has some of the best books!

The country also has many beautiful things such as museums, good music, and tasty wine. These pieces will equip you with all the information you need about the magic of Italy.

Since we’ve conducted all the research for you, sit down, take a cup of coffee and select one of your choices. The books are fun and will give you a sensation of the Italian lifestyle.

Without delay, let’s get started!

What Books about Italy Can Tell You

There are many books globally, ranging from novels, cookbooks, travel guides to historical ones. Below are a few of the best books about Italy, including why we like them. 

If you are not satisfied, read through some of the reviews from esteemed customers. (You can buy them on Amazon).

Our List of the Best 15 Books About Italy

  1. Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes 12500-1743
  2. Vatican: All the Paintings: The Complete Collection of Old Masters, Plus More than 300 Sculptures Maps, Tapestries, and other Artifacts
  3. Raphael, Painter in Rome: A Novel
  4. The Italian Villa: An emotional and gripping WW2 historical romance
  5. The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna: A Novel
  6.  Under the Light of the Italian Moon: Inspired by a true story of love and women’s resilience during the rise of fascism and WWII.
  7. Rick Steve’s Italy 2020 (Rick Steve’s Travel Guide) Paperback – December 17, 201
  8. Lonely Planet Italy (Country Guide) Paperback – February 1, 2018
  9. Easy Italian Phrase Book: Over 1500 Common Phrases For Everyday Use And Travel Paperback – February 10, 2020
  10. Italian Folk Magic: Rue’s Kitchen Witchery Paperback – May 1, 2018
  11. Strega Nona Paperback – Picture Book, September 3, 1979
  12. Tikki Tikki Tembo Paperback – April 17, 2007
  13. Our Italian Journey: Living our dream in Italy for one year Kindle Edition
  14. Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery Under the Warm Southern Italian Sun
  15. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia

15 of the Best Books About Italy on Amazon

If you love reading books and would love to know more about Italy, Keep on scrolling to find the one for you.

Art

Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes 1250-1743

Author: Ross King, Anja Grebe

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Description

Looking for a piece to assist you in relaxing while sipping your hot cappuccino? Go for Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes. Written by Rose King and Anja Grebes, the book focuses on arts.

The best-selling authors talk about beautiful places such as the Fitti and Uffizi. Additionally, Rose king explores art in Florence through paintings and the politics of Florentines. This makes it a strong contender for the best Italian art book.

The better part is that you won’t need to travel to Florence to view pieces created by the world’s famous artists. If you are purchasing it on someone else’s behalf, prepare to shed some extra kilos as it is heavy. The book also has pictures with many color images throughout!

Why you should buy this book

  •  It is full of helpful information thus easy to read and understand.
  •  It contains pictures of all the places mentioned.
  •  It is available in hardcover, and the price is worth paying for.

Vatican: All the Paintings: The Complete Collection of Old Masters, Plus More than 300 Sculptures Maps, Tapestries, and other Artifacts

Author: Anja Grebe, Rose King

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Description

Anja Grebe and Rose King are go-to- guys for many Italians when it comes to Arts in Italy. Grebe has dedicated her life to teaching art history at the University of Elargen. She has also taken part in many international projects.

Rose King has devoted his life to art history by writing many works such as the Pope’s Ceiling (2003). Since the Vatican is the most visited townsite, it has beautiful places to visit. It also contains the most renowned sculptures and other works of art.

Some popular attractions include; Pinacoteca, the Sistine Chapel, the Borgia Apartments, and many more. The most outstanding attribute is the art paintings accompanied with the name of the image, artist and the size of the book, and personal details of the author.

The book has so many photos thus easy to understand. Although it’s a book to read for a long time, the pictures are not presented well. But, they are clear therefore provide a great view. It’s also a book suited for people who adore arts or those who want to know more about Italy. Generally, this book won’t leave you disappointed!

Why you should buy this book

  • It has a lot of images which creates an easy understanding of the places outlined.
  • The pictures are visible enough to make you feel as if you are in the exact place.

Raphael, Painter in Rome: A Novel

Author: Stephanie Storey

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Description

This book is the gold standard, where arts and politics have been intertwined. Furthermore, it will transport you to the sixteenth century in Rome and bring you the best painters of all time. The story also focuses on Raphael, who became an orphan at age eleven.

The book is fantastic when it comes to romance, art, and power. For instance, it explains how the pope summoned Raphael and Michelangelo to paint and decorate the apartments. This is done for them to compete to win the best sculptor award.

Moreover, the book has paintings provided in the book with the available links. This creates a positive experience among readers.

The book uses stylistic devices and Italian phrases that are hard to understand. Generally, this book is fantastic for a person that enjoys reading novels.

Why you should buy this book

  •  It has a lot of paintings that relieve history about Italy.
  •  The authors are best at what they do by using easy to understand language.
  •  The book is available on kindle and at an affordable price.

Novels

The Italian Villa: An emotional and gripping WW2 historical romance

Author: Daniella Sacerdoti

Ratings: 4.3 out of 5

Description

The Italian Novelist was born in Italy and held a degree from the University of Turin. Being an Author and an Italian, she has written several books. Among them is the Italian Villa, which is the first book to write for Bookouture publishers.

This is a novel that takes you through the Italian ways. The setting, food, and wine describe the actual culture and ways of living. The story is about a lonely small-town waitress who came to find out that she was adopted. 

The novel is also inspired by love and romance. This is seen when Callie came across a diary which talked about love, passion, and heartbreak. The two lovers were separated by war but promised to reunite later. But, history didn’t allow them to meet. 

Furthermore, the book has some typing errors and disjointedness. The story is detailed but has the right pace, creating an easy time for readers to understand.

Why you should buy this book

  • It uses understandable language and pace, thus easy to understand.
  • The book is available on kindle at an affordable price.
  • You will be able to learn the Italian ways of living.

The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna: A Novel

Author: Juliet Grames

Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Description

This is a tale of an Italian-American family filled with secrets. Stella’s life is full of threatening conditions, from an abusive father to a hostile new world.

She is torn between fighting her fate and taking care of her little sister. Despite her misfortunes, she appears to be beautiful and intelligent. What’s worse is that her mother believes that her daughter is cursed.

Born in Hartford, Grames tries to bring out the beliefs and cultures of the Italians. In that, they don’t believe that a woman needs more expect from a husband. It also captures the struggles that the immigrants faced. Although it’s a bit heavy going, it brings out a detailed history of Italian-Americans.

Why you should buy

  • You will be able to know the Italian culture.
  • It is available in kindle at a fair price.
  • You can also get it in hardcover.

Under the Light of the Italian Moon: Inspired by a true story of love and women’s resilience during the rise of fascism and WWII.

Author: Jennifer Anton

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5

Description

Under the Light of the Italian Moon is a book inspired by a real-life story. It is a story about women who are against death, fascism, and destruction. Nina is against the traditional life of an Italian woman.

But, when her childhood friend comes back, their love is ignited again but faces the threat of war. The story showcases Italian life, love, sacrifice, and heartbreak. It is an emotional one that talks about the brave and strong women during Mussolini’s regime.

Why you should buy this book

  • This is an excellent piece to read as you will get to know more about Italian history.
  • It’s available on kindle at an affordable price.

Travel Guides

Rick Steve’s Italy 2020 (Rick Steve’s Travel Guide) Paperback – December 17, 2019

Author: Rick Steve’s

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5

Description

Rick Steve’s Italy 2020 is a travel guide based on personal experience and a love for traveling. Steve has spent almost half of his life traveling all over the world. It also points out popular attractions, including the best places to eat and sleep.

Other places include Adua, Milan, the Italian Riviera, and Amalfi Coast, and much more. Moreover, it contains traveling tips such as things before embarking on the journey.

It does not mention critical areas in Italy such as Matera and Puglia. All in all, the places covered are still worth visiting.

Why you should buy this book

  • The author uses easy-to-understand language.
  • You will be able to familiarize yourself with the places to visit.

Lonely Planet Italy (Country Guide) Paperback – February 1, 2018

Author: Lonely Planet, Cristian Bonetto and Kerry Christiani

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5

Description

Lonely Planet’s book on Italy is an outstanding book filled with traveling tips such as where to eat and stay. This guide covers a lot of information compared to other traveling guides. You’ll also find plenty of information on cultural insights and Rome map.

Being the best-selling Italy guidebook, it’s suitable for any budget. On top of that, it has a lot of images, although they are not visual enough.

Why you should buy this book

  • It has a lot of helpful information, including travel tips.

Easy Italian Phrase Book: Over 1500 Common Phrases For Everyday Use And Travel Paperback – February 10, 2020

Author: Lingo Mastery

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Description

Lingo’s Easy Italian Phrase Book is a travel guide that will give you the best phrase coverage. Having over 1500 phrases, you’ll be able to learn different Italian words and how to pronoun them.

Moreover, the Italian phrases contain meaning that you will be prepared earlier. It also comprises a phonetic guide that includes the translation of words.

Why you should buy this book

  • You will be able to learn different Italian words together with the translation.

Folk Tales

Italian Folk Magic: Rue’s Kitchen Witchery Paperback – May 1, 2018

Author: Mary-Grace Fahrun

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5

Description

The Italian Folk Magic is packed with almost everything about Italy’s magic. It comprises Italian methods on spells for love, sex, and many more. You will be able to get a sense of Italian heritage and magical practices.

This guide is suited for those who wish to know about Italian traditions and have a keen eye for magic.

Why you should buy this book

  • You will be able to learn Italian traditions.
  • The book is available on Kindle at an affordable price.

Strega Nona Paperback – Picture Book, September 3, 1979

Author: Tomy dePaola

Ratings: 4.9 out of 5

Description

This is a book written by a very well-known author of more than 270 books for young children. Being a teacher’s pick, it contains humor, beautiful pictures, and paintings. Moreover, it’s easy to understand information thus suitable for students.

Strega Nona, the “Grandma Witch,” is the source of magic in her hometown. However, some real customers have complained about the unexpected ending.

Why you should buy this book

  • The author has used a language that is easy to understand.
  •  It contains humor and appealing pictures, thus suitable for children.

Tikki Tikki Tembo Paperback – April 17, 2007

Author: Ariene Mosel

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5

Description

If you are looking for a hilarious and humorous book for your little ones, go for Tikki Tikki Tembo. It is among the best children’s books as it uses techniques that are easy to read and understand.

This guide will not only create a fun moment for your child but will make him or her read more.

Why you should buy this book

  • The book uses humor hence suitable for little kids.
  • It is available on kindle at a fair price.

Memoirs

Our Italian Journey: Living our dream in Italy for one year Kindle Edition

Author: Ilene and Gary Modica

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

Description

If you plan to live in Italy for one year, then the Italian Journey is the ideal book for you. This memoir is filled with details about the ways of the Italians.

The two sold everything to depart in Italy and learn everything about the country. Moreover, it’s easy to read as it contains an alternating story from Gary and Ilene.

Let’s face it, no journey of Italy is complete without purchasing an Italian Cookbook together with this order.

Why you should buy this book

  • You can also get it on kindle at an affordable price.

Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery Under the Warm Southern Italian Sun

Author: Laine B. bROWN

Ratings: 3.8 out of 5

Description

Finding Myself in Puglia is the book for you if you want to vacate into a new place for self-discovery. The book is based on a true story—a woman who was disappointed by her marriage.

It talks about how she made up her mind and decided to move into Italy’s hill. Moreover, the book is fun to read and brings out the Italian culture.

Why you should buy this book

  • You will be able to learn Italian Culture.
  • It takes you through a journey of self-discovery.

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia

Author: Elizabeth Gilbert

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

Description

Eat, Pray, and Love is a memoir about an American woman who left everything behind and decided to go to Italy. Her main aim was to learn there different aspects of her nature and diverse culture.

The book is generally good but, some customers have complained about the first three chapters being hard to understand. All in all, it’s an excellent book since it tries to talk about the history of living in Italy.

Why you should buy this book

  • You will be able to learn Italian culture.
  • The book is also available on kindle and hardcover at a fair price.

Summary

All the books mentioned above will make you learn the Italian ways before reaching the destination. With all this information, you are ready to take the next step in Italian culture. All you need is a glass of Italian wine, and you are good to go.

What are you waiting for? Grab one and enjoy the journey to Italy!