Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #813659 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-28
• Format: Bargain Price
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 900 pages

Review
Another one of the classic Moon Europe Handbooks. Comprehensive yet to the point, this book covers A-Z from Milan to Sicily. Each section of Italy is color coded on the main map in the front of the book and covered in detail. There is no shortage of sights in Italy and Mr. Cohen has done a remarkable job of highlighting not only the tried and true Italian attractions but also the often overlooked spots. Visiting Italy would not be Italy without their famous cuisine - this guide book recommends some of the nicer pizzerias, cafes and gelateries. --Dave's Travel Corner, June 2008

Moon Handbooks out of Berkeley, CA have been consistently among the most prolific (more than 100 titles since 1973) and top quality publishers of travel guides. Their new Italy Handbook is no exception. New York native Alexei J. Cohen-together with contributors-has written a highly readable and informative paperback of nearly 900 pages which covers all the regions of the Peninsula in admirable detail. Particularly useful are the excellent maps and thorough index, plus a fine resource section with guidance to internet sites and further reading. -- Jetsettersblog, July 17, 2008

This fabulous Moon Handbook will give you the tools to make your own choices with suggestions on how to plan a trip that is perfect for you....It is one of America's finest travel guidebooks, very informative and provides well-rounded insight into the country and its culture. -- NeoPopRealism Journal, August 15, 2008

About the Author
Alexei J. Cohen was born near the Empire State building and technically has no Italian blood. He fell in love with Italy after the first reel of Federico Fellini's La Strada and by intermission was planning to follow in Anthony Quinn's footsteps. After graduation he headed for la dolce vita and found more vita than dolce traveling by bicycle and sleeping on hostel bunk beds. Although the liras eventually ran out he was hooked on al dente for life. Years later in downtown Manhattan he met an Italian woman who rekindled his interest in mozzarella, Brunelleschi, and leaning towers. They married and a culture that once seemed exotic began to make sense. Italy became a regular holiday destination and new wines and ways of preparing artichokes were discovered. Eventually the couple made the transatlantic leap and after several years in north London they settled under the umbrella pines of Rome. Alexei's editorial skills were honed on the pages of Racquet & Golfer, McCall's, and Family Circle. Before leaving Brooklyn he made frequent contributions to TimeOut New York and helped readers find apartments in Hoboken and exotic beer in Soho. In London he rode the dotcom wave and was the launch editor of Fine Wine magazine. He returned to the print world in Rome and joined a publisher specializing in art, culture, and cinema. Since then he has translated, edited, and written several books. He is currently changing diapers, making the past perfect less daunting to teenagers, and writing a novel set in Italy.

Customer Reviews

Textbook for travelers to Italy
Moon Italy is a necessary companion for the serious traveler in Italy. Alexei Cohen provides fresh and first-hand descriptions of familiar landmarks like looking over his shoulder and adds interesting and useful background information about history, politics, and local customs. His style is easy to read. A thorough index makes it easy to sort through voluminous details to find specific information. Moon Italy is a complete textbook for travelers looking for current and up-to-date information.

put it on your list
Informative, practical and fun to read.
I particularly like the cultural insights his book provided through the films and books selection.