A Brief History of Italy

Tracing the Renaissance, Unification, and the Lively Evolution of Art and Culture

By: Dominic Haynes

Narrated by: Jeff Bower

Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Journey to the romantic land of Italy and meet the artists, warriors, and leaders who forever left their mark on Western culture.

Perhaps no country has had such a lasting impact on Western culture as Italy. Whether it’s the frescoes of the Renaissance, the politics of ancient Rome, or the formation of the Catholic Church, Italy holds a central place on the world’s stage.

This audiobook gives a quick but detailed overview of Italy’s grand, sweeping history, from ancient city-state to modern cultural mecca.

You’ll learn about:

• The strange burial practices of the early Etruscans
• The real story of Rome’s most famous leader, Julius Caesar
• How politics and heresies plagued the early Catholic Church
• Why Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and others flocked to Florence as the hub of Renaissance culture
• The intriguing 15th-century conspiracy to assassinate the Medici family
• Mussolini’s terrifying quest to establish a dominant, fascist Italy
• Why the rich, vibrant land of Italy still captures our imaginations today
• And much more

Whether you’re a student of Italian history looking for a refresher or a brand-new learner looking for an introduction, this audiobook is a concise, easy-to-follow overview of the major players, events, and forces in Italian history, from antiquity to today. Scroll up and buy now.

©2023 Dominic Haynes (P)2023 Dominic Haynes

Great History Lesson

Wow, I hadn't heard this information since my high school and college days over a decade ago! Listening gave me a bit of nostalgia thinking back to those days, sitting in class listening to the lecture. This brief history was absolutely textbook-worthy and could be useful to anyone studying this subject. The narrator also did a great job and was enjoyable to listen to.

Fun Listen

Loved the narrator, easy to listen to! I have just started to listen to history books and it is really fun! The last 2 chapters in this book (1914-1980) dovetailed with a book I listened to about the history of Ferrari... it really filled out what was happening through this tumultuous century. Several years ago I traveled to Rome and the last chapter (1980 - present) in this book was fun to listen to because I had recently been there. This is an informative and fun listen, thanks!

A Fascinating Journey Through Italian History!

I've always been captivated by Italian culture, and this book takes you on an extraordinary journey through its rich tapestry. From ancient times to the modern era, it uncovers the intertwining threads of Italian history and how it connects to the broader world stage.
This book is a delightful exploration of not just Italian culture but also its profound impact on global history. If you share my fascination with Italy and its heritage, this is an absolute must-listen.

So Much to Learn About Italy

A Brief History of Italy is very informative and engaging and is filled with all there is to know about Italy. This audiobook starts you off with the ancient civilizations of Italy dating back to as far as 3200-90 BCE! It’s a wonderful journey through time that covers topics such as culture, art, music, weapons, and empires. Highly recommend to learn all there is about Italian history!

Enlightening Journey Through Italy's Rich History

This audiobook provided a delightful journey through Italy’s rich past. As someone eager to learn more about the history of this captivating country, this audiobook was a real gem. The concise yet comprehensive overview it offered was both engaging and informative. What truly stood out to me were the sections on Italy’s ancient history, particularly before the time of Julius Caesar. I had limited knowledge in this area, and the audiobook’s insights and storytelling truly brought this period to life in a fascinating way. The audiobook condensed centuries of history into an easy-to-understand format without losing depth. There’s so much to this audiobook.

Must read

Black's writing is clear and engaging, and he provides ample context and analysis to help readers understand the various events and trends that have shaped Italy over the centuries. The book also includes helpful maps and illustrations that help readers visualize the geography and culture of Italy.

Overall, "A Brief History of Italy" is an excellent introduction to Italian history for anyone seeking to better understand this fascinating and influential country.

Planning A Trip a Must Listen

A bountiful find, to say the least, If you are captivated by the allure of Italy and its rich history, this audiobook is a must-listen. It takes you on a journey through the romantic land, introducing you to the artists, warriors, and leaders who have shaped Western culture.
From the ancient city-states to the modern cultural mecca, Italy has left an indelible mark on the world's stage. The audiobook provides a quick but detailed overview, giving you insights into the various aspects of Italy's grand history. So if you've never experienced Italy in person, I recommend listening to this for personal interest or trip pre-planning, either way, prepare to have your eyes opened to this beautiful culture.

Fascinating History

I have to admit that I hate history. However, I've always had a love for Italy- everything about it really- so I was excited to learn more about its past. It's clear that most of the art and architecture we presently appreciate is shaped by history. So needless to say, I could not be more impressed with how this brief history of Italy captured my attention. It was lovely to listen to the era of the Renaissance and how it inspired innovation. This audiobook is the perfect accompaniment to Italian guides including travel, art, and culture. I'd truly love to travel to Italy now.

Lots of insights

Haynes' narration is engaging and his deep knowledge of Italian history shines through in every chapter. He presents information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner, making it easy for both history enthusiasts and newcomers to grasp the fascinating narratives that have shaped Italy.

FASCINATING JOURNEY

This book successfully takes you down the winding & fascinating path which is the birth & evolution of Italy.
Rich in history & influence, Reader will be both informed & entertained by stories of its transformation through the Copper Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age….all the way through the world-changing Renaissance Era. We are led through the many political, cultural & military influences which have shaped the world. This includes the indelible contributions of Art & Ingenuity from Masters like Michelangelo, Da Vinci & Galileo.
Also highlighted is Italy’s more recent & memorable contribution in the world of clothing design. It is the birthplace of highly esteemed Designer Houses which have established Italy as a global Fashion Icon.
I truly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to be enlightened to Italy’s colorful journey from being the small village of “Roma” through its evolution to the global presence it is today.
Very well done.