Italien

Italy has always been familiar to German travelers, and the love of Germans for Italianità has always been deep, yet today the country seems so foreign – one thinks of the countless government crises, collapsing bridges, or the persistence of the Mafia. Where does all this come from? Thomas Steinfeld has lived in Italy and traveled across the country, from the mountain passes of the north to the olive groves of the south. Here, he presents the whole of Italy: the bustling activity in Rome, Milan, or Florence, as well as the workers' settlements in industrial areas and the misery of the suburbs. He describes the rural cult of saints and the invention of Slow Food, but also explains the country through its history: from the Renaissance to the Duce fascism, which still has repercussions today. He illustrates how the country has changed due to the COVID-19 crisis and analyzes the political transformation up to the attempt at a new beginning under Mario Draghi. Thomas Steinfeld reveals a society that is more diverse and often different than one might imagine north of the Alps – while also showcasing landscapes and cultural treasures that have never lost their allure. A rich, both sensual and reflective portrait of Italy.