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Italy and its Discontents 1980-2001
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Amazon.co.uk Review
It's easy to misinterpret or over-simplify the social, political and economic history of contemporary Italy. Too many of the events of the last twenty years seem designed to coincide with (and confirm) stereotyped images of the country. Administrative chaos and corruption revealed in the "Tangentopoli" scandals of the 90s. Mafia wars, assassinations and organised crime. Unpredictable and crisis-ridden government culminating in the emergence of Silvio Berlusconi as a political force.
In Italy and Its Discontents Paul Ginsborg avoids easy answers to difficult questions. He aims to provide a coherent analysis of contemporary Italy and he does so by structuring his book around the continuing importance of the family in Italian society. Both as reality and as metaphor the family is shown still to be at the heart of any understanding of the country. Family-run businesses dominate the economy, family contacts are used to deal with the twists and turns of the bureaucracy, political parties and the Catholic church alike continue to use the language of family in their propaganda. Ginsborg marshals an impressive array of detail and fact to support his subtle and intelligent interpretations of the last 20 years of Italian history. His book can sometimes seem dry and even (at times) forbiddingly academic, but for anyone looking to know more about the real rather than the stereotypical Italy of the last twenty years, it is essential reading. --Nick Rennison --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"A valuable reference for anyone studying or teaching Italian and European politics and society."--W.R. Smith, Choice
."..excellent..."-Alexander Stille, New York Review of Books
."..the book is useful and even entertaining."--Laura Collura Kahn, New York Sun
."..his book is valuable...usefully traces the phenomenon of Silvio Berlusconi."--David I. Fulton, Library Journal
."..Complex and fertile with 'thick description', [the book] radiates the paradoxes and ironies that abound in a troubled country."--The New York Times Book Review
.".it offers a complete portrayal of the textures of Italian society."--"Publishers Weekly"
""Italy and its Discontents "is a tour-de force. Anyone concerned about the condition of the country will find it packed with material to think about and argue over"--"The Economist"
."..excellent..."-Alexander Stille, New York Review of Books
."..the book is useful and even entertaining."--Laura Collura Kahn, New York Sun
."..his book is valuable...usefully traces the phenomenon of Silvio Berlusconi."--David I. Fulton, Library Journal
."..Complex and fertile with 'thick description', [the book] radiates the paradoxes and ironies that abound in a troubled country."--The New York Times Book Review
.".it offers a complete portrayal of the textures of Italian society."--"Publishers Weekly"
""Italy and its Discontents "is a tour-de force. Anyone concerned about the condition of the country will find it packed with material to think about and argue over"--"The Economist"
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
First Sentence
WHEN SUMMIT meetings between the leaders of the capitalist world's most powerful nations began at Rambouillet in France in November 1975, Italy obtained an invitation only at the last moment. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
WHEN SUMMIT meetings between the leaders of the capitalist world's most powerful nations began at Rambouillet in France in November 1975, Italy obtained an invitation only at the last moment. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is yet another in depth look at Italy, by an author well-known among italophiles for his first book on the topic. Ginsborg explains Italian society and politics, using the family as his looking glass. It is this approach that makes Ginsborg's explanantions of what makes Italian society tick unique.
Even though quite academic in places (for instance the initial chapter on economics), this book is never so academic as to be incomprehensible. This book makes you want to continue reading to find out what comes next - a rare ocurrence with non-fiction!
If your interest in Italy goes further than reading accounts of those who set up house in Tuscany, then this book is definitely for you!
Even though quite academic in places (for instance the initial chapter on economics), this book is never so academic as to be incomprehensible. This book makes you want to continue reading to find out what comes next - a rare ocurrence with non-fiction!
If your interest in Italy goes further than reading accounts of those who set up house in Tuscany, then this book is definitely for you!
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having had little exposure to Italian politics and culture, this was an excellent start in understanding the attitudes and culture of the Italian people. Knowing their political culture, and appreciating their view of politicians is particularly useful if you want to understand Italy.
A very good book - excellent prose throughout.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've lived in Italy for well over 10 years, and have been following socio-political aspects of the country since 2005 - when I started to blog about Italy (Italy Chronicles is the name of my site in case you want to see what I know/write about). I thought Ginsborg's book was pretty much spot on in its analysis and description of how Italy has evolved into what it is today.
Ginsborg's book provides its readers with extensive insight into contemporary Italy - the country has more or less remained static since the book was first published.
Moreover, I believe those about to do business in Italy or about to work or move to Italy will find this book helps them prepare for what they are about to face - they can then adapt accordingly.
I would actually recommend reading this book twice! Once before people come to Italy, or shortly after they have arrived - and then once again after 5 years or so - by which time Italy's more frustrating aspects may have started to have, how can I put this, er, lowered morale.
It is an academic text, which means it is not always that easy to read - but persevere! The only thing I did not like was its length - I thought it was a little on the short side and felt a little more background could have been provided on Italy's main players - hence the 4 stars and not 5.
Still, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others.
Ginsborg's book provides its readers with extensive insight into contemporary Italy - the country has more or less remained static since the book was first published.
Moreover, I believe those about to do business in Italy or about to work or move to Italy will find this book helps them prepare for what they are about to face - they can then adapt accordingly.
I would actually recommend reading this book twice! Once before people come to Italy, or shortly after they have arrived - and then once again after 5 years or so - by which time Italy's more frustrating aspects may have started to have, how can I put this, er, lowered morale.
It is an academic text, which means it is not always that easy to read - but persevere! The only thing I did not like was its length - I thought it was a little on the short side and felt a little more background could have been provided on Italy's main players - hence the 4 stars and not 5.
Still, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others.
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