Washington Post bestseller Los Angeles Times bestseller A vivid and surprising portrait of the Italian people from an admired foreign correspondent How did a nation that spawned the Renaissance also produce the Mafia And why does Italian have twelve words for coat hanger but none for hangover John Hoopers entertaining and perceptive new book is the ideal companion for anyone seeking to understand contemporary Italy and the unique character of the Italians. Fifteen years as a foreign correspondent based in Rome have sharpened Hoopers observations and he looks at the facts that lie behind the stereotypes shedding new light on everything from the Italians bewildering politics to their love of life and beauty. Hooper persuasively demonstrates the impact of geography history and tradition on many aspects of Italian life including football and Freemasonry sex food and opera. Brimming with the kind of fascinatingand often hilariousinsights unavailable in guidebooks The Italians will surprise even the most diehard Italophile. show more