What are some good books or websites focused on Italian *culture* and customs?

Question

Specifically on Venice, but any books on Italy in general would be really great. I went to my local Barnes & Nobles and could only find travel guides.

Keep in mind I'm looking for something to read, not to research, so textbooks on Italian history is not what I'm looking for.

Answer 1

I would highly recommend Beppe Severgnini - La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind, and also: An Italian in Britain, Ciao, America! If you can read talian, his Manuale dell'Uomo Domestico is also very good.

Another good choice would be Luigi Barzini - The Italians.

Answer 2

Excellent book about Italian culture is "As the Romans Do" by Alan Epstein  -- it's about an American Family with two young kids who move to Rome. Not about Venice and specific to Rome, still an excellent book on culture.

http://www.amazon.com/As-Romans-Do-Ameri...

This link leads to "The Italian Way" By Mario Cosantino and "The Italians" by Luigi Barzini

http://www.amazon.com/Italian-Way-Mario-...

Answer 3

So you are looking for books to read for leisure?

I have read several books that are set in Italy or Venice

Sarah Durant's  In the Company of a Courtesan

Christi Phillip's  The Rossetti Letter

The Birth of Venus

Galileo's Daughter

Leonardo's Swans by Karen Essex

The Borgia Bride

Susan Carroll series: The Dark Queen, The Courtesan, and the Silver Rose

Here are links with  lists of novels set in Venice

http://www.fictionalcities.co.uk/venice....

http://goeurope.about.com/od/venice/tp/v...

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/venice/boo...

Other books set in Italy

http://italophiles.com/historical.htm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-novels-set-...

http://italophiles.com/romances.htm

I hope that these will be helpful.