Sicilian History

Emigration of people from Sicily often overshadows the importance of the people who immigrated to the island through the centuries. These have included several who became Sicily's rulers, along with Jews, Ligurians, and Albanians. Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, Hohenstaufens, Spaniards, Bourbons, the Savoy Kingdom of Italy and the modern era have all held sway, and left lasting influences on the island's culture and architecture.

From Palermo to Castiglione di Sicilia to Alimena, Sicily holds great secrets from the past and unspoken promises. Now, slowly shaking itself free of the Mafia, Sicily is opening itself up to visitors in ways it never has before. Sicilian Splendors explores the history, politics, food, Mafia, and people which John Keahey encounters throughout his travels during his return to Sicily. Through conversing with natives and immersing himself in culture, Keahey illustrates a brand new Sicily no one has ever talked about before.

Over the course of the 19th century, the people of Sicily found themselves at the center of a struggle for freedom, one that ended up being long and often very bloody. It was during these crucial years of struggle that the Sicilian mafia, La Cosa Nostra ("Our Thing"), started to take shape. Cosa Nostra: The Notorious History and Legacy of the Sicilian Mafia examines how the world’s most famous mob formed, its inner workings, and the events that made it feared around the world.

Michael Corleone is returning to the U.S. after the two-year exile to Sicily in which listeners left him in The Godfather. But he is ordered to bring with him the young Sicilian bandit, Salvatore Guiliano, who is the unofficial ruler of northwestern Sicily. In his fight "to make Sicilians free people", the young folk hero, based on the real-life Giuliano of the 1940s, has made both the police and the Mafia his enemies.

Hailed in Italy as the best book ever written about the mafia in any language, Cosa Nostra is a fascinating, violent, and darkly comic account that takes us deep into the inner sanctum of this secret society. John Dickie uses startling new research to reveal the inner workings of this secret society with a murderous record. He explains how the mafia began, how it responds to threats and challenges, and introduces us to the real-life characters that inspired the American imagination for generations, making the mafia an international, larger than life cultural phenomenon.

Sara Marsala barely knows who she is anymore after the failure of her business and marriage. On top of that, her beloved great-aunt Rosie passes away, leaving Sara bereft with grief. But Aunt Rosie’s death also opens an escape from her life and a window into the past by way of a plane ticket to Sicily, a deed to a possibly valuable plot of land, and a bombshell family secret. Rosie believes Sara’s great-grandmother Serafina, the family matriarch who was left behind while her husband worked in America, didn’t die of illness as family lore has it . . . she was murdered.

Discover the soul of Sicily with Gianni Arcaini's captivating exploration in "Italy Then and Now: Sicily." Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Sicily, an island that has shaped the very heart of Italy through its unique language, pivotal role in national history, and integral part in the unification of Italy. "Italy Then and Now: Sicily" is your gateway to understanding the essence of this magnificent region. Experience the allure of Sicily's renowned celebrities, savor its mouthwatering cuisine and exquisite wines, and wander through its vibrant cities and breathtaking sites. This ...

The largest island of the Mediterranean has always been a complicated place with a fraught relationship to the Italian mainland. Separated by only the narrow Strait of Messina, Sicily feels like a different country in many ways, and the differences between Sicilians and Italians are much vaster than the tiny geographical separating them might intimate. For example, the linguistic differences between the two are substantial, as Sicilian is practically its own language, rather than just a dialect.

Mimi Augello is visiting his lover when the woman’s husband unexpectedly returns to the apartment; he climbs out the window and into the downstairs apartment, but one danger leads to another. In the dark he sees a body lying on the bed. Shortly after, another body is found, and the victim is Carmelo Catalanotti, a director of bourgeois dramas with a harsh reputation for the acting method he developed for his actors. Are the two deaths connected? Inspector Montalbano finds all of Catalanotti’s dossiers and plays and the notes on the characters....

Unlock the Magic of Sicily's Traditions, Festivals, and Hidden Gems Unlike other travel guides, the Ultimate Festival & Travel Guide takes you straight to the island’s beating heart—its incredible festivals. Dive into the rich traditions, vibrant celebrations, and authentic local experiences that bring each town to life. From these unforgettable moments, explore Sicily’s iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. This isn’t just a guidebook—it’s your key to experiencing Sicily at its most vibrant and unforgettable. Discover the unparalleled charm of ...

For over 60 years, Charlie P. Meo kept records and journals of his life. From the streets of downtown Johnstown to the suburbs of Phoenix, he has recorded his journey as a Sicilian-American in this country. Starting all the way back in the 1800's, this book covers the life and history of Charlie P. Meo and his family line. Although this is not an official "Meo Family History," it covers tons of ground and stories from the American Meo line. The Meo story starts on the beautiful island of Sicily and ends in the warm desert of Arizona. Through immigration, trials, persecution, perseverance, ...

Very few of the ancient empires and nations were able to challenge the Romans, who were famous for their military might. Even fewer were able to make them shiver just by mentioning their name. In fact, only one enemy of Rome managed to engrave such fear into their bones. That was Carthage, sometimes called the Carthaginian Empire. It was a formidable state that stretched across northern Africa, from Algeria and Tunisia to the shores of Morocco and southern Spain.

Italy, 1943. With war raging across the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters of his beloved Sicily, Savio’s pen scrawls desperately across the page. His letter must be sent in secret–or his life will be in terrible danger… England, present day. Paige is devastated when her reclusive but beloved Aunt Florence dies–the only family she’s ever known. Inheriting her crumbling cottage, Paige finds an unfinished note. ‘I am sorry, Paige. It’s time to tell you everything. It all began in Sicily…’