This is an up-to-date, illustrated introduction to the study of modern Italian culture. The book contains nineteen chapters by specialists in the field of language, politics, religious, ethnic, and gender identities, the mass media, cultural policy, and stars.

This illustrated introduction to the study of modern Italian culture brings together specialists in the fields of language; politics; religious, ethnic, and gender identities; the mass media; cultural policy; and movie stars. In four thematic sections, the contributors elucidate their own slice of Italian culture. Geographies questions received notions of the Italian nation, the family, the "South" and corruption; it also looks at anthropological approaches to culture and at Italy's linguistic pluralism. Identities examines gender, religion, politics, and ethnicity as a means by which people define themselves and others. Media explores the press, literature, television, and cinema. Culture and Society brings together historical analyses of cultural policy, stars and style, and popular music. The book includes guidance for further reading and a chronology of political and cultural events since 1900.

I have the highest praise for this book. Its design is unique for a book that is so accessible and useful to students ... The book's articles cover a variety of subjects that, until now, have often been treated poorly (if at all) in English-Language publications. I am confident that this work will be of great interest to scholars and students in many disciplines.