Did the waiter in Rome sneer when you asked for butter for the bread or for a cappuccino after dinner? Did your Venetian grandmother slap your hand when you reached for the Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on her spaghetti alle vongole? Did the Florentine guest in your home turn pale when offered leftover pizza for breakfast? Did the fruit and vegetable vendor at the Mercato Centrale yell at you when you checked out the ripeness of his peaches or scooped up a handful of cherries? In Italy, they love making rules, although they seem to obey very few. When it comes to the national cuisine, however,...

Italians have spent a thousand years perfecting a certain way of living. In a country with a reputation of not obeying rules, there are some hard and fast Italian Life Rules, which are known and followed. You should never greet some people in Italy with a cheery "Ciao " Why? Italian women can stride across cobblestones wearing stilettos with five-inch heels. How? Studies show that Italians tip less than other Europeans. Why? Tourists can't go to just any Italian beach and spread a picnic lunch out on the sand during some months. When? It seems like every shopkeeper in Italy demands exact...

A thrilling mystery set in the Renaissance City. An explosion rips through the Easter festival in front of the Duomo in Florence, Italy, but no one claims responsibility. The vicitms are not only Florentine, but also visitors from throughout the world. The security forces of Europe and the United States join together to hunt down the killers. Caterina Falcone, a Florentine investigator, and Max Turner, an agent from the U.S. Embassy, team up to find out why an American student was at the cathedral when the bomb exploded. Max hunts a bomb-maker who sows death around the globe. Inspector...

The cats of Italy lead rich and adventuresome lives. Cicero and Flavia race to save a cat sanctuary in the center of Rome. Dante and Guido take a friend on a quest that goes awry in a medieval tower. Regina falls into a canal, is rescued by Fosca and Casanova, and becomes queen of the regatta. Vanda and Pussipu love their lives in Calabria, but not all the Southern Italian cats are so lucky. Cats of Italy is a compilation of four short stories: Cats of Rome Cats of Florence Cats of Venice Cats of Calabria These tales will enchant cat lovers, both young and old. Those who are fascinated by...

Together for the first time in one volume - Italian Food Rules and Italian Life Rules - two popular books of essays on how to be truly Italian. Italians have spent a thousand years perfecting a certain style of eating and living. They love making rules and although they seem to obey very few, there are some hard and fast food and life rules followed throughout Italy. When it comes to the national cuisine the Italian Food Rules may as well be carved in marble. Visitors to Italy violate them at their peril. Did the waiter in Rome sneer when you asked for butter for the bread or for a cappuccino...