Lombardy & the Italian Lakes
-- National Geographic Traveler
Follow the footsteps of Cadogan's expert authors as they seek out the very best of Lombardy and the lakes in the seventh edition of this classic guide. From the landscapes that inspired the Leonardo's paintings to rich gastronomic indulgence, discover the sheer natural beauty of the region while savoring its earthier delights. And, when urban enjoyment calls, head for the cities of the Lombard plain--Cremona, Pavia, Mantua--the great art cities of Bergamo and Brescia, or to Milan for shopping, opera and a healthy dose of culture.
* Explore the charming wine-growing region of Franciacorta, a stone's throw from magnificent Lake Garda
* Enjoy the balmy microclimate of the lakes, where Riviera temperatures contrast with the distant snowy Alps, dotted with some of Italy's most beautiful gardens
* Stay in a 14th century castle, a Moorish folly, or an old Lombard villa; or relax in one of the many agriturismi, where you can enjoy farm-grown produce
* Sample delicious Lombard cuisine--tortelli cremaschi, Sbrisolona cake, saffron-laced risottos, taleggio cheese and chestnut honey, all washed down with delicious Bardolino wine.
Extract: The Immortal Fool
The first recorded mention of Arlecchino, or Harlequin, came when the part was played by a celebrated actor named Tristano Martinelli in 1601—the year that also saw the début of Hamlet. Theatre as we know it was blooming all over Europe in those times: Shakespeare and Marlowe, Calderón and Lope de Vega in Spain, the predecessors of Molière in France. All of these learned their craft from late-Renaissance Italy, where the commedia dell’arte had created a fashion that spread across the continent. The great companies, such as the Gelosi, the Confidenti and the Accesi, toured the capitals, where others shared out the provinces. Groups of ten or twelve actors, run as cooperatives, could perform comedies, tragedies or pastorals to their own texts, and provide music, dance, magic and juggling between acts. ...click here to read the rest
Northern Italy: best review, /5
What an excellent review! For someone who has NOT traveled to northern Italy and especially to the places of Milano, Monza, Como, Cremona, Brescia and the other lakes, this book is the BEST! Do not go to northern Italy without this new edition, 2008 November. Plus the "chain" bookstores did not even have a copy until I went through AMAZON to obtain a copy at a reduced price, of course. It was I who informed the "chains" of the new edition. Thank you again, Amazon!
Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls can be reached at: michel.pauls@wanadoo.fr
