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celebrating italians and sprezzatura on columbus day

Did you know that October is Italian-American Heritage Month?

Whether or not you agree with the celebration of Columbus Day per se, you can use today to celebrate the contributions of Italians not only to the United States but also to the world.

What’s that? You don’t know where to start?

How about with one of my favorite books:

Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Changed the World
by Peter D’Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish

The word “sprezzatura” is defined by the authors as “the art of effortless mastery,” and as something that no one has demonstrated quite like the Italians. The volume is comprised of fifty fact-filled and entertaining essays that celebrate Italian contributions to the world.

Subjects include well-known Italians such as:

Leonardo da Vinci
Michelangelo
Dante Alighieri
Machiavelli
Columbus
Palladio

and also some lesser-known Italian feats including:

the establishment of the world’s first university in Bologna;
the first medical school in Salerno; and
the inventions of both the piano and violin.

Catherine de’Medici, the godmother of French cuisine, and Cesare Beccaria, the founder of modern penology, are also featured. Other essay topics include Ovid, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine of Siena, Petrarch, Monteverdi, Bernini, Garabaldi, Marconi, and, of course, the Ferrari and Italian fashion.

There’s a little bit of something for all interests within these 50 essays, and it’s especially convenient because you can read one at a time and let the information resonate or skip around to where your interests lead you.

Sprezzatura is also an excellent resource book–it can decide many “who was the first to” arguments in your house for years to come. Oh don’t pretend like you don’t have those too.

Happy Let’s Celebrate Italians Day!

——–

Announcements:

You still have time to enter to win My Cousin the Saint: A Search for Faith, Family, and Miracles by Justin Catanoso! Ends Friday the 17th!
Justin continues to answer your questions at his blog here.
Remember the post “You Know You’re in Italy When…” that turned into a contest? Megan of Career by Choice has announced the winners here! Congratulations!

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12 beans of wisdom to “celebrating italians and sprezzatura on columbus day”

Gil on 13 Oct 2008 at 8:55 am #

Happy Columbus Day to you too! Even though the holiday is officially celebrated on Monday the 13th they had parades in Hartford & New Haven, CT on Sunday as not everyone gets the Holiday!

Sounds fun, Gil, and a great idea to celebrate on the weekend.

nyc/caribbean ragazza on 13 Oct 2008 at 11:39 am #

When I was growing up on the east coast Columbus Day was a pretty big deal. There was a huge parade in “the City” aka NYC.

My sister who lives in DC has the day off.

When I moved to L.A., Columbus Day was not really celebrated. We didn’t get the day off and there were no big parades. Not sure why.

Happy Let’s Celebrate Italians Day to you as well.

nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..The Vatican Museum

Btw, I just saw about the fires north of LA

casalba on 13 Oct 2008 at 12:18 pm #

Have you seen the Monty Python sketch “What did the Romans ever do for us”? I think it’s from “Life of Brian”.

casalba’s last blog post..Double Rainbow

I haven’t, but I’m sure I’d enjoy. Will look for it!

anno on 13 Oct 2008 at 12:26 pm #

The only thing that marks Columbus Day around here is the absence of mail delivery. Sprezzatura looks like it might be fun, though…

anno’s last blog post..Random News & Notes: Trying To Put a Chaotic Week Into Perspective

Hah, ironically, I got some *great* mail today here in Italy (a bday card and an amazing package from Sara at Ms Adventures in Italy, including an Obama button)

jen of a2eatwrite on 13 Oct 2008 at 12:54 pm #

Indeed, Michelle! I love times that celebrate particular cultures, because it allows us all to “strut our stuff” so to speak.

BTW… I need to let you know about a cookbook I found in a used bookstore – it might be useful for your Friday columns.

jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..World Hunger Day, pt. 2 – How you can help

Ooh yes, do share!

My Mélange on 13 Oct 2008 at 2:28 pm #

Hey,

If it means I get to have Italian red wine and any kind of homemade Italian Food…you know I’m in

That books looks like a great, informative read. Have to put it on my *list*.

My Mélange’s last blog post..Say Hello to my Little Friend

Hope you get to enjoy some festivities Robin!

Carla on 13 Oct 2008 at 2:41 pm #

Columbus Day is big in Boston, as well as the whole Italian-American heritage month; many more feasts, events and concerts than usual. Happy Columbus Day!

Enjoy Carla!

shiborigirl on 13 Oct 2008 at 4:37 pm #

Thanks for the “heads up” on that book, which looks like a marvelous read. I spent some VERY short tourist time in Venice, Florence, and Sicily 25 years ago, and still marvel at the wonderful things I saw there…such imaginative and resourceful people!

Enjoy your Holiday,

Kate

shiborigirl’s last blog post..I’m “It”! I’ve Been Tagged

I hope you’ll be able to come back sometime Kate!

Fern on 13 Oct 2008 at 10:16 pm #

Thanks for the book tip – always looking for good books to stock up on. Will add it to the ole ‘wish list’ at you-know-where. And Happy Columbus Day to you, as well.

Fern’s last blog post..Driving me Crazy!

Hope you enjoy it Fern

qualcosa di bello on 14 Oct 2008 at 2:23 pm #

my boys are in-deep with their studying of western civ (ancient rome & mediaveal periods) & so much of our heritage is wrapped up in italy.

qualcosa di bello’s last blog post..on the horizon…

Ooh fun topic! I hope they’re enjoying it!

mdicicco on 14 Oct 2008 at 7:25 pm #

Hello Michelle,

Thanks for the great post. I am currently reading the book and it’s wonderful. I recommend it to all!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! As you can probably tell, I love it as well

65 Italy Gift Ideas for the Italophile in Your Life | Italy Travel Guide on 05 Nov 2008 at 11:21 pm #

[...] than Sprezzatura, or “50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World.” My friend Michelle says it’s one of her favorite books, and it covers both things that lots of people know about and also some unknown gems that are sure [...]

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