Charming story about young Marco Polo, with color illustrations and dual-text pages (each one in Italian and English). The book introduces children to the Italian language with an easy-to-read tale, five pages of language activities, and a handy dictionary with all the key-words included in the story. Large print suitable for young readers.
In 1638, a small book of no more than 92 pages in octavo was published “appresso Gioanne Calleoni” under the title “Discourse on the State of the Jews and in particular those dwelling in the illustrious city of Venice.” It was dedicated to the Doge of Venice and his counsellors, who are labelled “lovers of Truth.” The author of the book was a certain Simone (Simḥa) Luzzatto, a native of Venice, where he lived and died, serving as rabbi for over fifty years during the course of the seventeenth century. Luzzatto’s political thesis is simple and, at the same time, temerarious, if not revolutionary: Venice can put an end to its political decline, he argues, by offering the Jews a monopoly on overseas commercial activity. This plan is highly recommendable because the Jews are “wellsuited for trade,” much more so than others (such as “foreigners,” for example). The rabbi opens his argument by recalling that trade and usury are the only occupations permitted to Jews. Within the confines of their historical situation, the Venetian Jews became particularly skilled at trade with partners from the Eastern Mediterranean countries. Luzzatto’s argument is that this talent could be put at the service of the Venetian government in order to maintain – or, more accurately, recover – its political importance as an intermediary between East and West. He was the first to define the role of the Jews on the basis of their economic and social functions, disregarding the classic categorisation of Judaism’s alleged privileged religious status in world history. Nonetheless, going beyond the socio-economic arguments of the book, it is essential to point out Luzzatto’s resort to sceptical strategies in order to plead in defence of the Venetian Jews. It is precisely his philosophical and political scepticism that makes Luzzatto’s texts so unique. This edition aims to grant access to his works and thought to English-speaking readers and scholars. By approaching his texts from this point of view, the editors hope to open a new path in research into Jewish culture and philosophy that will enable other scholars to develop new directions and new perspectives, stressing the interpenetration between Jews and the surrounding Christian and secular cultures.
Italian card games are fun and a great cultural and socializing experience. Italian Card Games for All Ages will help you become familiar with Italian cards and with some of the most popular games played today in Italy. This handy reference will introduce both the beginner and the advanced card player to fun, century-old games, including traditional games for large groups and simple children's games. It includes how to play: - Briscola - Scopa - Tresette - Sette e Mezzo - Bestia - Cocincina - Faraone - Miseria - Petrangola - Scartino and some fun and simple children's games. Every game can be played using a standard deck of 52 cards, but if you wish to have a truly Italian experience, get a deck of regional Italian cards and have some fun! A glossary and small Italian-English dictionary are included.
Sharpen your ITALIAN grammar with skill-building exercises If you want to be proficient in Italian, you have to master its grammar. The best way to perfect your grammar skills is through drills, drills, and more drills. Covering all facets of Italian grammar--from prepositions and pronouns to verbal forms and tenses--Italian Grammar Drills helps you learn often-perplexing topics through hands-on experience. This comprehensive book features: More than 200 exercises that demonstrate how the Italian grammar system works Authentic examples that illustrate correct grammar usage A thorough review section, new to this edition An answer key to give you immediate clarification on any concept Topics include: Adjectives and adverbs * Comparatives and superlatives * Present tense versus past tense * Prepositions * Passive voice * Verbal expressions and constructions * and more
The textbook, Conversational Italian for Travelers, is a fun, friendly book, not formal like most language books, and teaches everything one needs to know to travel to Italy. If you want to really understand the Italian of today, you need this book! We learn language and culture as we follow the character Caterina in dialogues that detail her travels through Italy. As she boards planes, trains, and finally takes a ride in her cousin's car, we learn how to do these things in Italian. When she meets up with her Italian family, we learn the phrases of communicating with others, including what to say if you meet someone special, how to go shopping and how to use the telephone. Finally, Caterina goes on a trip to Lago Maggiore with her Italian family, and we learn phrases needed to stay at a hotel, go sight-seeing, and of course, go to the restaurant and order wonderful Italian food! Many Italian dishes commonly ordered in Italian restaurants are listed in the last three chapters of the boo
Introduces and analyses stage performances of texts by Italian Modernist writer Carlo Emilio Gadda, Italy's own Joyce. Includes the Italian texts (with English translation) and the dvd of the Italian performance (with English subtitles).
Learn the language of la dolce vita! For anyone who wants to learn and enjoy the most expressive and romantic of languages, the third edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Learning Italian is the first choice for a whole new generation of enthusiastic students of Italian. This updated edition includes two new quick references on verbs, grammar, and sentence structure; two new appendixes on Italian synonyms and popular idiomatic phrases; and updated business and money sections. • First two editions have sold extraordinarily well • Italian is the fourth most popular language in the United States
Eleven great stories in original Italian with vivid, accurate English translations on facing pages, teaching and practice aids, Italian-English vocabulary, more. Boccaccio, Machiavelli, d'Annunzio, Pirandello and Moravia, plus significant works by lesser-knowns.
This 2002 book is a guide to Italian usage for students who have already acquired the basics of the language and wish to extend their knowledge. Unlike conventional grammars, it gives special attention to those areas of vocabulary and grammar which cause most difficulty to English-speakers. Careful consideration is given throughout to questions of style, register, and politeness which are essential to achieving an appropriate level of formality or informality in writing and speech. It surveys the contemporary linguistic scene in Italy and gives ample space to the new varieties of Italian that are emerging in modern Italy. The influence of the dialects in shaping the development of Italian is also acknowledged. Clear, readable and easy to consult via its two indexes, this is an essential reference for learners seeking access to the finer nuances of the Italian language.
