"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 Hooper s 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 Hooper s 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 fascinating and often hilarious insights unavailable in guidebooks, "The Italians" will surprise even the most die-hard Italophile."

Author Biography

John Hooper is the Italy correspondent of the "Economist" and a contributing editor of the "Guardian" (London). He has also written or broadcast for the BBC, NBC, and Reuters. His book"The Spaniards"won the Allen Lane Award and was revised and updated as"The New Spaniards"in 1995 and 2006."