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The Invention of Sicily
A Mediterranean History
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The Invention of Sicily
$4500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
A rich and fascinating cultural history of the Mediterranean's enigmatic heart
A fascinating cultural history of this most magical of islands
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Sicily has always acted as a gateway between Europe and the rest of the world. Fought over by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the Romans, Goths and Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, Germans, Spanish and the French for thousands of years, Sicily became a unique melting pot where diverse traditions merged, producing a unique heritage and singular culture.
In this fascinating account of the island from the earliest times to the present day, author and journalist Jamie Mackay leads us through this most elusive of places. From its pivotal position in the development of Greek and Roman mythology, and the beautiful remnants of both the Arab and Norman invasions, through to the rise of the bandits and the Cosa Nostra, The Invention of Sicily is the perfect companion to the culture and history of Sicily.
Mackay weaves the political and social development of the island in with its fascinating cultural heritageβin doing so discussing how great works including Lampedusa's masterpiece The Leopard and its film adaptation by Visconti, and the novels of Leonardo Sciascia, among many others, have both been shaped by Sicily's past, and continue to shape it into the present.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Invention of Sicily by Jamie Mackay is praised for its innovative exploration of Sicily's complex history and significance as a cultural crossroads. It is described as a vibrant and imaginative work that challenges traditional nationalist perspectives, offering fresh insights into the island's role within broader European contexts. Reviewers appreciate Mackay's engaging writing style and his ability to weave together historical analysis with cultural narratives, making it both accessible and thought-provoking for readers interested in the intricate past and enduring influence of Sicily.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781786637734
Publisher: Verso Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 13 July 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Verso Books
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 25.0mm
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 394g
Pages: 304
About the Author
Jamie Mackay is a writer and translator based in Florence. His work has appeared in the Guardian, the TLS, Frieze and elsewhere.
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