Italianissimo Italianissimo, or very, very Italian, is an eclectic guide profiling the fifty things we all love—and in some cases love to hate— about Italy, from waiting on line to hand gestures to Pinocchio. Co-authored by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff, the book is as much about the visuals as it is about the writing. Diligent photo research uncovered rare and delightful images—like a nubile Sofia Loren seated on the roof of a Fiat surrounded by adoring male fans, or a grateful runner at the finish line under a banner that reads “Ciao Mamma!” More abstract subject matter—like a section on diminutives and superlatives, or titles and honorifics—called for more creative solutions. Louise’s archive of Italian ephemera, combined with Photoshop wizardry, brought the book to life. The result: a new kind of guide book to decode and enrich all trips to Italy—both real and imaginary.
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