If there is one book that belongs on the shelf of food lovers, it is Sicilian Food by Mary Taylor Simeti. This book is a classic, the definitive work on Sicilian cooking and it is full of authentic, hard to find recipes gleaned from the author's friends, family and acquaintances on the island itself. Originally published in 1989 under the title Pomp and Sustenance: Twenty Five Centuries of Sicilian Food and then unavailable for almost ten years, Mary Taylor Simeti’s affectionate, exhaustive work has come to be recognized as the definitive book on the food, traditions and recipes of this sun-drenched island. The author, an American married to a Sicilian, set out to discover Sicilian food first hand. She haunted former convents and palaces where Palermo's libraries have been maintained. She tested each ancient recipe herself and updated the methods. Her directions are clear and easy to follow. The book is organized so that the material reflects both the external influences of a series of conquerors, and the domestic changes brought about by peasant, clergy and aristocrat alike. Her chapter titles hint at the enticing discoveries waiting for the reader and the recipes reflect the chapter titles. There are recipes using the vegetable abundance of the Sicilian landscape, for ice cream or granita, and, yes there are recipes for Virgins Breasts and Chancellor's Buttocks. The book contains more than a hundred illustrations from Sicilian archives and museums and the text quotes freely from Homer, Plato, Apicius, Lampedusa, and Pirandello. Simeti's prose is so descriptive that to read it is to be in Sicily.

Please Read Notes: Brand New, International Softcover Edition, Printed in black and white pages, minor self wear on the cover or pages, Sale restriction may be printed on the book, but Book name, contents, and author are exactly same as Hardcover Edition. Fast delivery through DHL/FedEx express.

Spring is a magical season of abundant growth and fertility in Sicily. Fruit trees and vines are in new leaf, wheat fields stretch to the horizon, wild flowers grow in profusion along the roadside, and tuna and swordfish swarm in anticipation of their annual migration. Drawn from the best of Sicilian cuisine, the recipes in this collection are filled both mouth-watering and authentically local. Although small, Sicily has a big reputation and a colorful history of cultural crossover that has resulted in a rich and diverse cuisine. Like its landscape, Sicily’s food is one of contrasts, containing everything from rich Arab spices to exquisite mild ricotta, hearty pasta, decadent desserts, and plenty of fresh fish, oranges, lemons, and pistachios.

Features spring, summer, winter and spring recipes which include pastas, rice, soup, vegetable, fish, meat, eggs recipes and desserts.

Fred Plotkin takes us beyond the traditional tourist experience and lures us to special places, whether in big cities or out-of-the-way villages. Under his discerning eye, we learn about the food, wines, local bakeries, olive oil distilleries, cheeses, markets, restaurants, and best kept secrets of Italy's culinary world. Lovingly drawn portraits of the people who make world-famous regional specialties, and local history make each village, town, and city come alive.

The updated edition of this best-selling cookbook features a delicious collection of recipes from every strata of classical civilization, all accessible to the contemporary cook. Using a subtle mix of sweet and sour flavours, fragrant herbs, creamy cheesecakes and hearty red wines, ancient Mediterranean cuisine is brought to life. Pioneering the exploration of menus and manners of ancient Greece and Rome, "The Classical Cookbook" features adaptations of 49 sumptuous dishes. Sitting alongside sun-soaked recipes are rich illustrations of murals, marbles and mosaics, plus lively commentary painting a vibrant picture of everyday wining and dining in the ancient world. "The Classical Cookbook" will prove that we can still enjoy Terrine of Asparagus, Sweet Wine Cakes, Olive Relish or even Toronaean Shark. Featuring step-by-step instructions, the modern cook will be able to tackle everything from simple meals and street food through to lavish banquets and wedding feasts with an authentic Anci

Fifty recipes from the ancient world are presented in a fresh, new design alongside reproductions of ancient wall paintings, mosaics, vases, and household objects. Originally published in 1996, The Classical Cookbook was the first book about ancient dining to draw from both Greek and Roman writings. Each chapter describes a different social gathering and the food that might have been served on such an occasion. From a menu inspired by Homer’s Odyssey in 700 B.C., to the offerings at a typical Greek symposium or drinking party in fourth century Athens, to the special treats at a Macedonian wedding feast, the recipes presented here suggest the true variety of food and social life in the ancient Mediterranean. Enjoy Parthian chicken, fish in coriander sauce, squash Alexandria-style, cabbage the Athenian way, pancakes with honey and sesame seeds, and many more tasty dishes. Each original recipe is followed by a version for today’s cook.

Price clipped dust jacket has a torn corner, pencilled underlining and notes until page 26. Orders received by 3pm Sent from the UK that weekday.

First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This book is an introductory account of the kingdom of Sicily established in 1130 by Roger II, a "Norman" king, and ruled by Roger, his son, and grandsons until 1194 when the kingdom was conquered by his son-in-law, Henry VI of Hohenstaufen. The period covered does, however, extend from 1130 to 1266, when the kingdom passed from the Hohenstaufen heirs to Charles of Anjou, which is roughly as long and as coherent as the "Norman" monarchy of England between 1066 and 1204.

On 30 March 1282, as the bells of Palermo were ringing for Vespers, the Sicilian townsfolk, crying 'Death to the French', slaughtered the garrison and administration of their Angevin King. Seen in historical perspective it was not an especially big massacre: the revolt of the long-subjugated Sicilians might seem just another resistance movement. But the events of 1282 came at a crucial moment. Steven Runciman takes the Vespers as the climax of a great narrative sweep covering the whole of the Mediterranean in the thirteenth century. His sustained narrative power is displayed here with concentrated brilliance in the rise and fall of this fascinating episode. This is also an excellent guide to the historical background to Dante's Divine Comedy, forming almost a Who's Who of the political figures in it, and providing insight into their placement in Hell, Paradise or Purgatory.

Illustrated with twenty-four pages of photographs and with maps, the book forms a brilliant, monumental and definitive study, a model of modern historiography that will interest all readers.

Epic and engrossing, this extravagant true story covers 200 years in the life of an English family dynasty in Sicily. The first half, as the author wryly notes, is mostly about the people who made the money; the second half follows those who spent it. The saga begins with Benjamin Ingham, England's greatest tycoon ever, and a confidante of the high and mighty. He died childless, his money going to his four nephews--and their tale encompasses everything from the Italian aristocracy to Mussolini to the mafia. Simply fascinating.

This book is the first to trace the evolution and style of the fabulous homes that have been built on the island, from feudal castles to city mansions and country villas. It begins in the heyday of the Altavillas, the dynasty of Norman rulers who arrived in Sicily midway through the eleventh-century. They were open to the rich cultural influences of the island, especially the Arab koinS that melded so successfully into buildings such as the Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace) and Palazzo Zisa. Sicilian residential architecture reached splendid heights under its Spanish rulers from Aragon and Catalonia. In this period extraordinary buildings, such as Palazzo Ajatamicristo, were constructed. At the height of the Baroque period, Sicily became a hotbed of orignal architectural and decorative elements. During the rebuilding that followed the terrible earthquake of 1683, eastern Sicily gave birth to a whole new artistic vocabulary. In this context, suffice it to mention Palazzo Biscari in Catania. But Pa

The Mafia has been given many names since it was founded in the mid-19th century - the Sect, the Brotherhood, the Honoured Society, and now Cosa Nostra. This book reconstructs the history of the Sicilian Mafia from its origins to the modern day.

Hailed in Italy as the best book ever written about the mafia in any language, Cosa Nostra is a fascinating, violent, and darkly comic account that reads like fiction and takes us deep into the inner sanctum of this secret society where few have dared to tread.In this gripping history of the Sicilian mafia, John Dickie uses startling new research to reveal the inner workings of this secret society with a murderous record. He explains how the mafia began, how it responds to threats and challenges, and introduces us to the real-life characters that inspired the American imagination for generations, making the mafia an international, larger than life cultural phenomenon. Dickie's dazzling cast of characters includes Antonio Giammona, the first "boss of bosses''; New York cop Joe Petrosino, who underestimated the Sicilian mafia and paid for it with his life; and Bernard "the Tractor" Provenzano, the current boss of bosses who has been hiding in Sicily since 1963.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and long a Mecca for culture freaks. Sicily also rewards the countryside lover with its magnificent landscapes. Peter Amann knows the island intimately; he leads walking groups on Sicily and works for the preservation of its national monuments. As an alternative to the stress of simply 'doing' all the sites, he invites you to savour the landscape at leisure. Thus there is enough material in this book for several holidays. The eight car tours (mostly circular and covering 2000km) follow little-used secondary roads wherever possible and, while taking in all the major sights and sites, also allow motorists to see landscapes well off the beaten track. A fold-out touring map shows all the car touring routes. The walks - a distillation of the best on the island - are as varied in length and grade as the landscape itself; there are routes to suit all ages and abilities. Most of the walks are along old farming tracks, stone-laid mule trails and shepherds' paths. Each is accompanied by an up-to-date topographical map, but the author also suggests where you can find other maps, many of which are available free. Finally, for those who like al fresco dining, there is also a selection of picnic suggestions - ranging from 'official' sites with barbecues to idyllic spots near walking routes.

Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Sicily. Written by authors with over twenty years’ experience in travelling around Sicily, the book covers every region and offshore island. The full-colour section introduces Sicily’s highlights, from the slopes of Mount Etna to alfresco dining in Palermo. With informed accounts and unparralled coverage, clue-up on all the top sights from Greek temples to the celebrity-filled Aeolian islands, gorge-walking to volcano-climbing, market shopping to lazing in boutique hotels. The guide takes a detailed look at Sicily’s history, literature and cultural life with expert background on everything from Baroque architecture to the history of the Mafia. From Palermo and Catania to the get-away-from-it-all islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, rely on authoritative reviews of hotels, restaurants, shops and transportation and lively tips on hundreds of bars and clubs. Whether you’re on a beach holiday, fly-drive tour or island-hopping trip, explore every corner of Sicily with the clearest maps of any guide.

Dubbed ""the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all"" by Cicero, Syracuse also boasts the richest history of anywhere in Sicily. Syracuse, City of Legends is the first modern historical guide to the city that explores Syracuse’s place within the island and the wider Mediterranean and reveals why it continues to captivate visitors today, more than two and a half millennia after its foundation.Over its long and colorful life, Syracuse has been home to many creative figures, including Archimedes, the greatest mathematician of the ancient world, as well as host to Sappho, Plato, Scipio Africanus, conqueror of Hannibal, and Caravaggio, who have all contributed to the rich history and atmosphere of this beguiling and distinctive Sicilian city.  Generously illustrated, the book also offers detailed descriptions of the principal monuments from each period in the city’s life, explaining their physical location as well as their historical context. This vivid and engaging history weaves together the history, architecture and archaeology of Syracuse and will be an invaluable companion for anyone visiting the city as well as a compelling introduction to its ancient and modern history.

INCLUDES RECENTLY DISCOVERED NEW MATERIAL \nIn the spring of 1860, Fabrizio, the charismatic Prince of Salina, still rules over thousands of acres and hundreds of people, including his own numerous family, in mingled splendour and squalor. Then comes Garibaldi's landing in Sicily and the Prince must decide whether to resist the forces of change or come to terms with them.

Set in the 1860s, The Leopard tells the spellbinding story of a decadent, dying Sicilian aristocracy threatened by the approaching forces of democracy and revolution. The dramatic sweep and richness of observation, the seamless intertwining of public and private worlds, and the grasp of human frailty imbue The Leopard with its particular melancholy beauty and power, and place it among the greatest historical novels of our time.Although Giuseppe di Lampedusa had long had the book in mind, he began writing it only in his late fifties; he died at age sixty, soon after the manuscript was rejected as unpublishable. In his introduction, Gioacchino Lanza Tomasi, Lampedusa's nephew, gives us a detailed history of the initial publication and the various editions that followed. And he includes passages Lampedusa wrote for the book that were omitted by the original Italian editors.Here, finally, is the definitive edition of this brilliant and timeless novel.(Translated from the Italian by Archibald Colquhoun.)

The stories of Giovanni Verga (1840-1922) are wonderful evocations of ordinary Italian life, focusing in particular on his native Sicily. In an original and dynamic prose style, he portrays such eternal human themes as love, honour and adultery with rich and colourful language. The inspiration for Mascagni's opera, 'Cavalleria Rusticana' depicts a young man's triumphal return home from the army, spoilt when he learns that his beloved is engaged to another man. Verga's acute awareness of the hardships and aspirations of peasant life can be seen in stories such as 'Nedda', 'Picturesque Lives' and 'Black Bread', while others such as 'The Reverend' and 'Don Licciu Papa' show the dominance of the church and the law in the Sicilian communities he portrays so vividly.

The Terracotta Dog opens with a mysterious tete-a-tete with a Mafioso, some inexplicably abandoned loot from a supermarket heist, and some dying words that lead Inspector Montalbano to a secret grotto in a mountain cave where two young lovers dead fifty years and still embracing are watched over by a life-size terracotta dog. Montalbano's passion to solve this old crime takes him, heedless of personal danger, on a journey through the island's past and into a family's dark heart amid the horrors of World War II. Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Salvo Montalbano has garnered millions of fans worldwide with his sardonic, engaging take on Sicilian small-town life and his genius for deciphering the most enigmatic of crimes. 'The novels of Andrea Camilleri breath out the sense of place, the sense of humour, and the sense of despair that fill the air of Sicily. To read him is to be taken to that glorious, tortured island' Donna Leon 'Both farcical and endearing, Montalbano is a cross between Columbo and Chandler's Philip Marlowe, with the added culinary idiosyncrasies of an Italian Maigret' Guardian

Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano has garnered millions of fans worldwide with his sardonic take on Sicilian life. Montalbano's latest case begins with a mysterious têtê à têtê with a Mafioso, some inexplicably abandoned loot from a supermarket heist, and dying words that lead him to an illegal arms cache in a mountain cave. There, the inspector finds two young lovers, dead for fifty years and still embracing, watched over by a life-sized terra-cotta dog. Montalbano's passion to solve this old crime takes him on a journey through Sicily's past and into one family's darkest secrets. With sly wit and a keen understanding of human nature, Montalbano is a detective whose earthiness, compassion, and imagination make him totally irresistable.