"An extremely interesting and well-written book, which takes two major Italian disasters in detail and uses them to tell a series of stories about urban change, the state, national identity, and other issues . . . The author is passionate about the subject matter he is dealing with-and the material itself is red hot." - John Foot, University of Bristol

"This is a really fascinating and innovative study on disaster perception and management, on urban-rural development, and on the interconnections of environmental, political, social, and economic history. An essential book for all who want...