The New Press Bite-Sized History of Italy: Gastronomic Tales of the Roman Empire, Resistance, and Republic

A compelling exploration into the rich tapestry of Italian food history and culture, from the Roman Empire to today, by the co-host of the top-ranked Gola food and wine podcast Though a relatively young country, Italys culinary identity has been simmering for centuries, shaped by a shared gastronomic culture. From the dormice and garum of the Roman Empire to the heresy of pineapple pizza, A Bite-Sized History of Italy traces this legacy, offering a delicious romp through millennia of culinary tradition and transformation.Author Danielle Callegari, Dartmouth College professor and celebrated Gola podcast co-host, guides readers through the kitchens, vineyards, city squares, and coastal ports of the iconic peninsula, painting an intimate portrait of a place justly famous for its cuisineso much so that food might well be the very reason for its existence. With boundless energy and a fearless palate, Callegari explores beloved staplespizza, pasta, parmigianoalongside the unsung flavors that shaped Italian identity: legumes, wild herbs, game birds, spices, and the contributions of Jewish and other minority communities. Readers will uncover the true history of the tomato, Mussolinis failed attempt to replace pasta with rice, the Carbonaragate scandal that made international headlines, and more. Drawing on ancient cookbooks, medieval architecture, and contemporary cooking shows, Callegari reveals how Italys rise as Europes gastronomic heart is rooted in religious customs, class dynamics, and the echoes of empire, and how food became a language of both unity and division. Chapters feature recipes, beverage pairings, compelling historical vignettes, and current restaurant recommendations. Vivid and entertaining, this latest addition to The New Presss standout Bite-Sized History series, A Bite-Sized History of Italy offers a glimpse of the making of Italy itselfa nation defined, defended, and devoured around the table. Autorid: Danielle Callegari