{"product_id":"the-italians","title":"The Italians","description":"\u003cp\u003eWashington Post bestseller Los Angeles Times bestseller  A vivid and surprising portrait of the Italian people from an admired foreign correspondent  How did a nation that spawned the Renaissance also produce the Mafia? And why does Italian have twelve words for coat hanger but none for hangover?  John Hoopers entertaining and perceptive new book is the ideal companion for anyone seeking to understand contemporary Italy and the unique character of the Italians. Fifteen years as a foreign correspondent based in Rome have sharpened Hoopers observations  and he looks at the facts that lie behind the stereotypes  shedding new light on everything from the Italians bewildering politics to their love of life and beauty. Hooper persuasively demonstrates the impact of geography  history  and tradition on many aspects of Italian life  including football and Freemasonry  sex  food  and opera. Brimming with the kind of fascinatingand often hilariousinsights unavailable in guidebooks  The Italians will surprise even the most die-hard Italophile.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44946998558773,"sku":"ByrdShop_0525428070","price":27.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780525428077.jpg?v=1769976775","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-italians","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}