Take a tour through the Mediterranean's largest island in this first and only history of Sicily for general readers--perfect for armchair travelers, historians, and anyone planning their next Italian vacation.

The emigration of people from Sicily often overshadows the importance of the people who immigrated to its shores throughout the centuries. Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, Hohenstaufens, Spaniards, Bourbons, the Savoy Kingdom of Italy--and countless others--have all held sway and left lasting influences on the island's culture and architecture. Moreover, Sicily's character has been shaped by what has passed it by. Events that affected Europe, namely the Crusades and Columbus' discovery of the Americas, had little influence on Italy's most famous island.

The first and only history of Sicily for the general reader, this book examines how location turned this charming Mediterranean island into the epicenter of major historical conquests, cultures, and more. Complete with maps, biographical notes, suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and pronunciation keys, Sicily is at once a useful travel guide and an informative, entertaining exploration of the island's remarkable history.

Author: Sandra Benjamin
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Steerforth Press
Published: 12/18/2007
Pages: 512
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 8.96h x 6.08w x 1.11d
ISBN: 9781586421311


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal Supplements 11/15/2007 pg. 32

About the Author
Sandra Benjamin was born in Troy, New York, and moved to New York City when she was sixteen. Eleven years ago she published The World of Benjamin of Tudela: A Medieval Mediterranean Travelogue. Since then she has spent much of her time in Sicily. Always fascinated by the varied ethnic groups of New York City, she was similarly attracted by the diversity of peoples who became part of the fabric of Sicily.