5 comments about Our Italian Surnames.

1. Even though you might not find your surname listed, you will be able to find the "root" name yours derived from. I found it extremely interesting how some of our Italian name got their start. Also how some names are very specific to one certain area. A must for Italian genealogy.



2. I am fascinated that this book was even put together. It will give you a better understanding of Italian surnames and various origins. I think its a must have for any italian genealogist.



3. Joseph Fucilla was the son of Italian immigrants from a small village: his interest in his heritage led to in-depth investigations of the origins of Italian proper names - a field which contributes to genealogical pursuit in Our Italian Surnames. Originally published in 1949, this is still regarded as the authoritative reference on the subject, wit chapters covering botanical names, occupative names, compound names and more. Quite technical listings identify names under each category and add often extensive footnoted references: a must for any researching their Italian roots.



4. This is a reprint of a book written in 1949. Dr. Fucilla was born in Italy and a full professor at Northwestern U., who retired in 1965. My copy has a sturdy binding and no frills packaging. The entries are very clear and easy to follow. I was amazed by how many of the surnames I was interested in were covered. I have used it for years. This is a must have for anybody interested in Italian family history.



5. I found the book easy to read and the selection of names was extensive with many suggestions for further reading. A great help in my research into our family history.

2 comments about DREAMING OF SICILY ~ A Travel Memoir.

1. Dreaming of Sicily: A Travel Memoir
   
   I have waited and waited for an Amazon review of my book, but, alas, I have not received one. So I would like to include some reviews that I have received outside of Amazon.
   
   FROM BEST OF SICILY BLOG:
   
   It used to be that a visit to Sicily was part of the Grand Tour of Europe undertaken by such luminaries as Wagner and Goethe. Closer to our time, Sicily has become a destination in itself. It is also a point of reference - and an especially attractive destination - for millions of Sicilian descendants in the diaspora of Sicilians who for one reason or another left Sicily two or three generations ago. In such cases a visit to this magical place takes on the nature of a pilgrimage.
   
   Betsy Vincent (di Vincenzo) Hoffman's memoir of her first visit to Sicily describes this kind of experience. Beautifully illustrated with the watercolours of the talented Kathleen Citrolo Gwinnett - another American descendant of Sicilians who has visited our island - this lively if not very lengthy volume is a delightful read. Though not intended as a guide book in itself, it is useful as a primer, especially for those who prefer to wade into the subject instead of jumping in unprepared.
   
   Not every sentimental journey will be similar to this one, but Ms Hoffmann's account of hers may be sufficient to start others thinking about the same kind of trip.
   
   Betsy's description of her grandparents' experiences is touching. Here the human element is never absent. This kind of book reminds us that it is the people who make the place.
   
   FROM G.C. (in Sicily)
   
   I just now finished reading your book, which I found absolutely amazing. All those memories and the people met, and tastes and colors of Sicily everywhere! It was lovely indeed and I really enjoyed the reading, especially the part in which your husband found out there is no medicine for him, and he starts getting sick and angry... ecc
   
   It made me laugh a lot, but also cry. You can feel your thoughts and emotions were so real!!!



2. I just finished reading your delightful book, great job! It brought me back to my childhood and to my visit to Sicily, six years ago. It is so well written and it truly touched my soul.

1 comments about Finding Your Italian Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide (Finding Your Ancestors).

1. As an experienced Italian genealogist, I welcome this addition to Italian genealogy "how to" books. It is appropriate for beginning researchers, and has enough new information and updates to interest those with experience. Suzanne has included much information on getting organized, accessing sources of information in the United States, and accessing many categories of civil and church records from Italy. Translations of Italian records and tips on Italian handwriting are very helpful, as are sample letters, lists of Italian occupations, terms, dates and numbers, and pertinent web-sites and societies. This book is user-friendly and a great resource for those tracing their Italian family history.

4 comments about Finding Your Italian Roots. The Complete Guide for Americans. Second Edition.

1. If it's family tree research you're seeking for a strong library collection, don't miss John Philip Colletta, Ph.D.'s Finding Italian Roots, 2nd Edition, which first appeared in 1993 and has been thoroughly revised for this latest presentation. From accessing and interpreting the records available for tracking Italian ancestors and recording their stories to locating key sources of records and civil and religious resources, Finding Italian Roots is packed with specific tips unique to Italian roots.



2. Dr. Colletta was very practical in his advice to genealogists - exhaust the resources here in the United States before beginning research in Italy. Once you get to Italy, there are numerous resources of which the book only gives a taste.
   
   He was also truthful when he said that Italians could care less about genealogy (they have the honor and privilege of living amongst thousands of years of history everyday) but they are very accomodating once you get to Italy (can't wait to experience that feeling!).
   
   I found the map of Italy - pre and post unification - helpful as well as the history of Italian Jews and the fact that they're the oldest type of Jew in the world. There still exists a somewhat healthy amount of Jews in Rome, which I found fascinating.
   
   With every book that I read about genealogy, I realize that no matter how many years of research I've done, there's still a lot to be learned and resources to be used that I still don't know about yet.
   
   I just wish the book would be updated.



3. This book is full of good information, indeed some of the idiocyncrqacies of the field of our precious heritage. It is realistic, honest and encourgaing to any level of researcher. There are stories we all can relate to . Another good reference for Italo-Americans.



4. Since Finding Italian Roots first appeared in 1993, an ever increasing number of Americans have become interested in tracing their Italian heritage. This thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded Second Edition provides up-to-date information about accessing and interpreting the vast universe of materials available for tracking Italian ancestors and recording their stories for future generations. It contains more state and local sources, more point-by-point explanations, more step-by-step instructions, more "insider" hints and helps, more illustrations, more specific examples, plus an expanded glossary and annotated bibliography, and numerous Internet websites in both English and Italian--all brought vividly to life through the colorful stories of real Italian and Italian-American ancestors. Whether you are just beginning your investigations or have been doing genealogy for years, this guide will help maximize your investment of time, effort, and money
   
   John Philip Colletta is one of America's most popular genealogical lecturers. Based in Washington, D.C., he teaches at the National Archives, Smithsonian Institution, and area universities. He is also a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (Birmingham, Ala.) and Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (Salt Lake City), and has been a course coordinator and instructor for other genealogical institutes as well. John was just a boy when he started asking his paternal grandparents about their roots in Italy. By 1971 he was tapping into Italian records through correspondence, and since then has made four research trips to his ancestral homeland. John's publications include numerous articles; the manual They Came in Ships:; A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Arrival Record, now in its third edition; and the historical narrative Only a Few Bones: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath.

5 comments about Venice from the Ground Up.

1. This book is not a typical guide - where to eat and sleep - but rather a detailed architectural guide with enough history mixed in to put it all into context. Having explored most of the sites discussed, I found that the author gives excellent insight into the buildings, adds detail that enhances visits and turns the buildings that would otherwise blend into the city into treasures. A must for architecture fans and those who want to explore beyond the traditional half day in the St. Marks area.



2. After reading throughfully several books of Venice (both English and Spanish) this one provided insightful information, perfect tips, great history coverage. Highly recomended if you want to learn about Venice or planning a trip there.



3. This is a beautifully written and illustrated book for the Veneice lover. Nice mix of history and building descriptions.



4. Don't purchase the Kindle Edition of this book. It is an excellent book, but you won't have any of the illustrations or pictures that are a crucial part of the text.



5. Having just returned from my first visit to Venice, I was, like the rest of the many tourists all over, completely taken with the beauty of Venice. It is a breath-taking, but very crowded place. I am still fascinated with how the city was actually, physically constructed. I was hoping to read a book about tradesmen, laying foundations, the hard work involved in physically building this spectacular city. I have gotten bogged down in the historial minutae of the book (not really all that interesting to me) and have not found any sections yet dealing with architecture, construction, building supplies. If I lived in Venice and wanted a new refrigerator, how would I get it? How would I get rid of my old one? It is a curious, unique microcosm-one that this book has not (yet, anyway) addressed.

5 comments about Italian Genealogical Records: How to Use Italian Civil, Ecclesiastical & Other Records in Family History Research.

1. For those of you in search of your Italian heritage need look no further. Everything you need is right here in this relatively cheap book written by, get this, a non-Italian! Whether you just want to get your grandparents birth records from the 1890's or go all the way back to the 1700's to get your 5th great grandparents marriage record, this book will tell you how, in easy step by step instructions. Can't read or write in Italian? Mr. Cole's book does that for you, too. Don't know your Italian history? Guess what? Mr. Cole does, and he shares it with you in his book.
   There are many illustrations of actual Italian records from the 1800's to going back almost 1000 years, and he explains what each is and what the records say. This author covers the history of surnames as well.
   With the information in this book, it would be virtually impossible for someone who's ancestors were Italian not to discover their heritage.
   I strongly recommend this book.



2. Thank heavens this book came into my life as a dedicated heritage researcher, first generation Italo-American. Since I am alone in this, as are many out there I have founf doing this, I especially appreciated the wonderful sources, shortcuts, and information given to the noviate, although anyone can learn something from this complete guide. A great addition to the literature.



3. This was the first book I bought on Italian genealogy several years ago and it is still the best source for understanding Italian records. Using the form letters I have been successful in obtaining information from a variety of Italian sources. What is especially useful is the balance between the how to chapters and the background on the records. Highly recommended.



4. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent book. But I found it to focus too much on providing general information rather than specific break-downs on actions to take.
   
   It may have been better if it were divided into two books- one giving the necessary history and background needed to understand how Italian records work, when they came into existence, etc. And another giving specific information and tips on how to obtain them.
   
   Italian records are as complex as it's history. So two books may have been in order, there is just so much information there. Or one book, with less information, but more specifics on each category that they chose.
   
   It left me a bit overwhelmed with knowledge, but still no clear direction to go in.
   
   It's kinda like when you are lost and try asking for directions and they tell you 3 different ways you can go, and all they do is confuse you more-so you have a lot of information but are somehow more confused. I'd rather have them tell me one way, that will get me there... I think that explains how I felt after reading this book.



5. This sourcebook is outstanding. I have read many similiar books but if you had to purchase one, this is it. It has everything and more than most others. It is packed with information. The first few chapters deal with Italian history which is invaluable. Without understanding Italian history you will not be able to understand how and why to search Italian ancestors in a way that is going to provide results. This books explains it all, has all the forms you'll need and is clear and concise. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book.

4 comments about Florence: The Golden Age 1138-1737.

1. Penned by an eminent historian, this book is superb! Very striking is Brucker's unique narrative style. He makes the readers think as if the events happened only yesterday. I strongly recommend his other works as well: You will feel enlightened. No other historian can capture the cultural richness of Florence with such delightful charm. I guarantee you'll fall in love with the city, her citizens, and this historian, Gene Adam Brucker.



2. The word "amateur" comes from the Italian "amare" which means to love and this is a book for anyone with an interest in and affection for Italian city states and Florence in particular. Mr. Gene Brucker is a distinguished American historian (University of California, Berkeley) with an admirable record but the book he has produced about Florence is meant for the general reader and obviously aims at sharing his passion for the quattrocento (Florence's golden age, the 15th century and beyond) with as many people as possible. The result is splendid : in seven chapters dealing with the great families, the economy, the forms of government, the Florentine dominion, the Principato, etc., the reader is taken through a pleasant voyage in history. The writing is never heavy but neither is it meant for those who give up easily : some of the chapters - on the conflicts between Guelfs and Ghibellines for instance - do require more than a passing interest in the subject. The book is lavishly illustrated and contains a number of separate "two pagers" I greatly enjoyed, which present a number of interesting topics in themselves, such as the description of a city plan, the features of a traditional Florentine palazzo, the currencies in use, the reach of Florentine trade, the guilds, Andrea del Verocchio, the geometric theory of perspective and many other topics. An admirable book, to be highly recommended.



3. After reading Mary McCarthy's The Stones of Florence, I decided that I wanted to read a more straightforward history of the city. I picked this book based on the Amazon reviews, but never expected a coffee table-type book, albeit with a paper cover. Lavishly illustrated, The Golden Age of Florence covers the city from the initial stages of the Renaissance to its end. Florence was a turbulent city, sometimes ruled by a group of nobility, sometimes by its guilds, and eventually by the Medici. The city faced as much danger from its own internal squabbles as it did from its external enemies. Yet, despite this, the city experience unprecedented economic , industrial, and artistic development , producing some of the finest wool in Europe along with Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Botticelli, among so many.
   
   This book does a fine job of telling this story, not just the politics, but the economics and the various arts. It is a general overview, not meant to be a scholarly work. The writing is designed to bring the reader to the Florence during its Golden Age, drawing interesting portraits of all the relevant characters. I grew somewhat frustrated with the lack of connection between one event to another. Savonarola somehow sneaked up, took over the city, and died as a heretic, with no real explanation of who he was and how he came to take on such a role. Although the book itself only covers a 600 year period of time, an appendix in the back does have a brief synopsis of historical events starting from its founding and ending with the rule by the Austrians. The illustrations in the book are arranged in categories, so each page centers not on the text itself, though it may be related, but on the general theme. The author has selected drawings from manuscripts, photographs of sculptures and buildings, and representations of paintings.
   
   Despite any quibbles mentioned, I highly recommend the book for anyone who wants to learn a general overview of the history of Florence illustrated with some of the finest works of art that man has ever produced.



4. If you want to know about the most beautiful city on Earth during the Renaissance, look no further than this title. The author provides detailed information on everything you could want to know. Perfect for the history buff, lover of art, Florence-fanatic, or tourist headed to Italy. Much better than Michael Levey's Florence.

No comments about The Death of Luigi Trastulli and Other Stories: Form and Meaning in Oral History (Suny Series in Oral and Public History).

3 comments about A Brief History of Vatican II.

1. Having just finished a course on Vatican II, I found this short history of Vatican II to be very helpful in detailing some of the mystery and intrigue that went on behind the scenes. A must read for anyone who wants to know the "whole story".



2. Giuseppe Alberigo is probably the greatest living expert on Vatican II, having worked in its preparation and been closely involved, as a layman, with many of the clerical leaders of the Council. These days there are all kinds of ideologically-motivated efforts afoot to downplay the significance of the Council and to criticize "liberals" for distorting its message. Alberigo shows clearly the drama of the struggle on the part of the bishops, liberal and conservative alike, for freedom from the stifling hand of the Roman Curia (the church's central bureaucracy), and tells a truly exciting story about the successes and even the failures of the Council fathers. Incidentally, anyone who reads this can only look at many of the struggles in today's church and see them as but the latest chapter in an ongoing struggle between a controlling central bureaucracy and a world-wide church concerned above all with pastoral care of the church.



3. Guiseppe Alberigo was a young professional when the council began. He was involved with Cardinal Lercaro's group from Bologna. His doctoral dissertation had been on the Council of Trent written under Hubert Jedin, the best in the field. Alberigo was with Cardinal Lercaro's group at the four sessions of the Council. Afterwards he edited the multivolume history of the Second Vatican Council, presented in English by Dr. Joseph Komonchak of the Catholic University of America.
   
   This is worth reading, even if the style is not the most limpid. You will meet someone who was part of the Council. Cardinals Ruini and Ratzinger (now Benedict XVI) prefer to see the Council more as a continuity than does Alberigo and the Bologna school. He sees the council as an overcoming of the Constantinian and Post-Tridentine traditions.
   
   Stephen Palmer

5 comments about The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall.

1. The many very good reviews on "The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall" compelled me to read it. It was a pretty good read indeed. The author covers the entire Medici history in great detail and the book reads quite well. There are also some nice illustrations. However, what was extremely disappointing was the lack of important supporting information, which is essential to history books. There were only two relatively poor maps (with very small font) and no map of Florence. Therefore, the location of the Medici villas, important battles and events are not shown. What is even worse: there is NO genealogy chart! I had to go back and forth and even tried the much inadequate Index to figure out who was the sister or brother or cousin of whom. I don't comprehend how this was not caught by any of the acknowledged proof readers or the Editor. Nevertheless, if you can get your hands on some good maps and the genealogy (e.g. Encyclopedia Britannica) the book is worth reading.



2. This book is a terrific narrative on the Medici's of Renaissance Florence. Hibbert captures the various Medici family members which included Cosimo and his banking empire which funded the dynasty. His grandson Lorenzo who was the greatest of all the patrons of Rennaisance artists such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Galileo. We meet Medici's who become Pope even though their only qualifications seem to be that they were Medici's. Hibbert also introduces us to their lethal competitors, the Pazzi family. The book includes murder, betrayal, ambition, sexual dalliances, great artists, and the fabulous setting of Florence. What more do you need for a great read.



3. This book provides a good overview of the Medici dynasty and the source of its power in Florence.



4. This is not an in-depth read into the history of the Medici family; this account is an simple overview of the Medici reign. If you are looking for a detailed historical study, then you will be disappointed in this work.
   
   I found this account useful in that it provided a sense of life during the Medici's reign. Although the Renaissance is characterized by great art and scientific discovery, it was also rife with plague, invading armies, and a despotic rule from the Medici family and the church. Overall, the rule of the Medici and its ultimate decline was based on a philosophy of "better with the devil that you know than the devil you don't know". The family's reign was based on power alignments through the church in Rome and through marriage. In the height of its power, the Medici family in Florence could call upon the support of France or Spain to offset the influence of Rome. Their rule was based on checks and balances. A failure to maintain a system of balance finally signaled the decline of their empire.
   
   This book was not a riveting read; sometimes the author's description of the Medici as indulgent and ugly was amusing, and the account of the time period was interesting. A more in-depth analysis of the artists that the family aligned themselves with would have proved more interesting and useful for further insight into the Medici's way of thinking. Although the Medici were patrons for much of the great architectural innovations of the time, these are given no more than a mere mention.
   
   Overall, this is a simple and interesting account that will definitely enhance the reader's visit to Florence, and give a succinct introduction to the origins of the buildings and art of the period.



5. This is the most uninteresting book I have encountered. I gave up after the first 125 pages.