Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Etruria–Travel, History and Itineraries in Central Italy by Mary Jane Cryan


Italy in Books - Reading Challenge 2011

  • Paperback: 155 pages
  • Genre : Travel and History
  • Publisher: Etruria Editions Edizioni Archeoares 2010
  • Source: Purchased directly from the author
  • Review Quote From Backcover: “Mary Jane Cryan’s latest book, confirms her as a leading voice on that fascinating area of Italy known as Etruria. A scrupulous researcher, she combines scholarship with a passionate love of her subject, bringing long ago personages and events vividly to life.” Margaret Stenhouse, Italy Update.


The March post with a list of books that the other people taking part are reading this month has already been posted. March Reviews
I first met the author of this book virtually in early 2004 when we were planning the latter stages of our move to Italy. We had decided on the region of Northern Lazio as being the place we wanted to start our search for a home. While doing online research we came across  Elegant Etruria Mary Jane’s very informative website. We made contact with Mary Jane and it was her that found us the apartment in Tuscania that we would rent while house hunting. When we arrived in March 2004 she was kind enough to help us settle in, which included introducing us to her earlier publications. These we have found to be the perfect guidebooks for helping us learn so much about this beautiful and almost undiscovered region we now call ‘home’
It should be no surprise therefore that as soon as possible we obtained a copy of this her latest book and a perfect candidate for the Italy in Books - Reading Challenge 2011
This latest book is just as compelling as her previous ones, with some enthralling sounding places tempting us yet again to get out there and explore. Thanks Mary Jane for sharing your passion for this region by sharing these intriguing stories. The book is divided into four sections, Itineraries, Influences, Treasures and People. With itineraries that range from The Tombs of Tarquina to Searching for the Stuarts, Influences from America to Ireland, Treasures in gardens and castles and finally so many fascinating people I defy you not to find something amongst these pages that will absorb you.
In conclusion if you decide to come and visit this region in reality or virtually, if you want to discover some of the places that tourists do not normally get to see then make sure you get hold of a copy for yourself. Copies can be purchased direct from Mary Jane by clicking on this link.
Etruria Travel, History and Itineraries in Central Italy
Mary Jane Cryan
Links to other books by the author
Vetralla Connection,
Affreschi Exploring Etruria
Travels To Tuscany and Northern Lazio
I am also including this video I found on YouTube to tempt you a little further with its atmospheric surroundings. What a beautiful place to have given a book presentation.
Courtesy of saltaripe

I also post these ‘Italy in Books’ reviews on my other blog
News From Italy

17 comments:

  1. This sounds a really interesting book! I'm definitely going to get a copy.

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  2. Video is really tempting. Haven't read many books set against Italy. Must pick this one. Thanks Lindy.

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  3. The only books I have read that are set in Italy are all Historical Fiction novels. Etruria sounds interesting!

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  4. Pete@ I look forward to your review for the challenge later this year then.

    Vibha@ If you are interested you will need to order direct from the author.

    Misha@ It is very interesting and especially so to me as it where I live.

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  5. The name alone makes me want to visit and explore that area. :-) How lovely that you got to meet the author, Linda! :-)

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  6. I like the youtube clip. I couldn't see it on your other blog.

    I'm reading a good book at the moment called The Blasphemer. Quite a catchy title, isn't it?! It's not as controversial as it sounds. I'm really enjoying it. Have you heard of it?

    Sarahx

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  7. RamblingTart@ Maybe you will one day :)

    Sarah@ I have checked News From Italy and the video seems to be ok now, no idea why it would not work for you. I have not heard of the title you mention, will check it out.

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  8. I know nearly next to nothing about Italy..This sounds like something the doc ordered just for me ;-) Thanks for the review.

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  9. Bhargavi@ This book would certainly be an interesting introduction but just to a very small area of Italy.

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  10. I love this area of Italy...we once took a trip and traveled over the various Etruscan ruins...Cerveteri, Tarquinia, Vulci. So rich in history of the Etruscan civilization. It is hard to find books dedicated to the topic. Wish we had known about this at that time! thanks.

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  11. How fortunate for you that you can visit all those interesting places so easily. I envy your life in Italy.

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  12. Patricia@ Not too late to read Mary Jane's books though. I had no idea you had actually visited our region, or part of it anyway.

    HandW@ We are very fortunate, maybe one day you will be able to live your dream.

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  13. hello, thank you so much for your visit. i'm a bit of a bookworm myself so your blog is definitely something i'd follow regularly.

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  14. So many nice places to see in this world.
    Thanks for this review... so glad to visit Northern Lazio through your Italy blog.

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  15. Teacup Moments@ Welcome and I hope you will find some books that interest you here.

    BookQuoter@ Absolutely the joy of the internet and books of course is that we can visit virtually!

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  16. Sounds like a wonderful , informative book!
    One of my dreams is to visit Italy!!
    Maybe someday,
    Natalie :0)

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  17. Natalie@ It is and definitely one worth reading until you get to follow your dream.

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