Author: Coffee Break Languages
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399802402
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 Italian Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your Italian by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising Italian in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
50 Spanish Coffee Breaks
Author: Coffee Break Languages
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1399802461
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 153
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 Spanish Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your Spanish by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual -from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising Spanish in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. The Spanish used in this book includes a variety of sources and contexts including both Peninsular Spanish and Latin American Spanish, making the book a valuable tool for learners of both. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1399802461
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 153
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 Spanish Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your Spanish by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual -from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising Spanish in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. The Spanish used in this book includes a variety of sources and contexts including both Peninsular Spanish and Latin American Spanish, making the book a valuable tool for learners of both. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
50 Swedish Coffee Breaks
Author: Coffee Break Languages
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399810456
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 Swedish Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your Swedish by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising Swedish in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399810456
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 Swedish Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your Swedish by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising Swedish in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
50 French Coffee Breaks
Author: Coffee Break Languages
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399802372
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 147
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 French Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your French by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising French in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399802372
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 147
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 French Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your French by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising French in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
50 German Coffee Breaks
Author: Coffee Break Languages
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399802437
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 German Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your German by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising German in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 1399802437
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Transform your down time into 'do time'. The most successful language learners create a habit of studying on a regular basis. 50 German Coffee Breaks makes it easy to master a simple routine of improving your German by effortlessly integrating it with your calming daily ritual - from a 5-minute espresso to a 15-minute latte. Organised by 5, 10 and 15 minutes, these 50 varied and lively activities - from anagrams and idiom challenges to recipes and quotations - are created for high-beginner to intermediate adult and young-adult learners and designed to keep you motivated while building your skills in key areas. · Reading comprehension · Writing skills · Grammar confidence · Translation abilities · Vocabulary expansion · Cultural awareness By practising German in a fun and relaxed way in the time you have, you will stay on track to achieve your language-learning aspirations. So, pick up your preferred brew and this practical book, and make learning the most pleasant and productive part of your busy day. For 15 years Coffee Break Languages has helped make it possible for millions of people to learn a language in a way that fits into their everyday life: whether that's while walking the dog, at the gym, or on their coffee break! Teach Yourself has collaborated with Coffee Break Languages to bring their brilliant method to a wider audience by producing their first-ever printed product. All the activities are written by long-time teachers of the language in Coffee Break's characteristically friendly and conversational style. It's the perfect complement to your studies. The activities are levelled for high-beginner to low-intermediate learners: CEFR A2-B1 and ACTFL Intermediate-low/mid
Short Stories in Italian for Beginners
Author: Olly Richards
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1473683335
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 224
Book Description
An unmissable collection of eight unconventional and captivating short stories for young and adult learners. "I love Olly's work - and you will too!" - Barbara Oakley, PhD, Author of New York Times bestseller A Mind for Numbers Short Stories in Italian for Beginners has been written especially for students from beginner to intermediate level, designed to give a sense of achievement, and most importantly - enjoyment! Mapped to A2-B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, these eight captivating stories will both entertain you, and give you a feeling of progress when reading. What does this book give you? · Eight stories in a variety of exciting genres, from science fiction and crime to history and thriller - making reading fun, while you learn a wide range of new vocabulary · Controlled language at your level, including the 1000 most frequent words, to help you progress confidently · Authentic spoken dialogues, to help you learn conversational expressions and improve your speaking ability · Pleasure! It's much easier to learn a new language when you're having fun, and research shows that if you're enjoying reading in a foreign language, you won't experience the usual feelings of frustration - 'It's too hard!' 'I don't understand!' · Accessible grammar so you learn new structures naturally, in a stress-free way Carefully curated to make learning a new language easy, these stories include key features that will support and consolidate your progress, including · A glossary for bolded words in each text · A bilingual word list · Full plot summary · Comprehension questions after each chapter. As a result, you will be able to focus on enjoying reading, delighting in your improved range of vocabulary and grasp of the language, without ever feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. From science fiction to fantasy, to crime and thrillers, Short Stories in Italian for Beginners will make learning Italian easy and enjoyable.
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1473683335
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 224
Book Description
An unmissable collection of eight unconventional and captivating short stories for young and adult learners. "I love Olly's work - and you will too!" - Barbara Oakley, PhD, Author of New York Times bestseller A Mind for Numbers Short Stories in Italian for Beginners has been written especially for students from beginner to intermediate level, designed to give a sense of achievement, and most importantly - enjoyment! Mapped to A2-B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, these eight captivating stories will both entertain you, and give you a feeling of progress when reading. What does this book give you? · Eight stories in a variety of exciting genres, from science fiction and crime to history and thriller - making reading fun, while you learn a wide range of new vocabulary · Controlled language at your level, including the 1000 most frequent words, to help you progress confidently · Authentic spoken dialogues, to help you learn conversational expressions and improve your speaking ability · Pleasure! It's much easier to learn a new language when you're having fun, and research shows that if you're enjoying reading in a foreign language, you won't experience the usual feelings of frustration - 'It's too hard!' 'I don't understand!' · Accessible grammar so you learn new structures naturally, in a stress-free way Carefully curated to make learning a new language easy, these stories include key features that will support and consolidate your progress, including · A glossary for bolded words in each text · A bilingual word list · Full plot summary · Comprehension questions after each chapter. As a result, you will be able to focus on enjoying reading, delighting in your improved range of vocabulary and grasp of the language, without ever feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. From science fiction to fantasy, to crime and thrillers, Short Stories in Italian for Beginners will make learning Italian easy and enjoyable.
50 Ways to Improve your French: Teach Yourself
Author: Lorna Wright
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 144413227X
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 135
Book Description
Do you have a working knowledge of French, but want to improve? Allow this book to come to your rescue and eliminate basic errors and slips of the pen. Each one of 50 top tips for improving your spoken and written French is presented and analysed across a whole double page, with explanations as to where and why people sometimes go wrong. The tips are grouped into grammar, spelling, false friends, pronunciation and cultural faux pas sections. There's even free downloadable audio content available to help you with your pronunciation. Polish your French with this brand new series from Teach Yourself - the No. 1 brand in language learning. 50 ways to improve your French touches all essential bases and is divided into the following easily digestible sections: Only got a minute? A 60-second introduction to French to get you started. Only got five minutes? Get to grips with French and its common pitfalls even if you're short of time. Only got ten minutes? Use your free time wisely to learn something about the French language. Insights Instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on Lorna Wright and Marie-Jo Morelle's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests online to keep track of your progress. Articles Extra information to keep you motivated. Summaries Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Grammar Easy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding. Pronunciation Don't sound like a tourist - polish your pronunciation before you go. Audio Downloadable audio support online to help with key areas - iPod/MP3 compatible For your free audio download please visit: www.hodder.co.uk/TYLfreedownloads
Publisher: Teach Yourself
ISBN: 144413227X
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 135
Book Description
Do you have a working knowledge of French, but want to improve? Allow this book to come to your rescue and eliminate basic errors and slips of the pen. Each one of 50 top tips for improving your spoken and written French is presented and analysed across a whole double page, with explanations as to where and why people sometimes go wrong. The tips are grouped into grammar, spelling, false friends, pronunciation and cultural faux pas sections. There's even free downloadable audio content available to help you with your pronunciation. Polish your French with this brand new series from Teach Yourself - the No. 1 brand in language learning. 50 ways to improve your French touches all essential bases and is divided into the following easily digestible sections: Only got a minute? A 60-second introduction to French to get you started. Only got five minutes? Get to grips with French and its common pitfalls even if you're short of time. Only got ten minutes? Use your free time wisely to learn something about the French language. Insights Instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on Lorna Wright and Marie-Jo Morelle's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests online to keep track of your progress. Articles Extra information to keep you motivated. Summaries Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Grammar Easy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding. Pronunciation Don't sound like a tourist - polish your pronunciation before you go. Audio Downloadable audio support online to help with key areas - iPod/MP3 compatible For your free audio download please visit: www.hodder.co.uk/TYLfreedownloads
Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian All-in-One
Author: Marcel Danesi
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 1260455130
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 673
Book Description
Get six times the language-learning expertise for the price of one book! More than two million students have turned to the Practice Makes Perfect series for a trusted guide to help build their language-learning skills. And, now this bestselling brand offers you all of the tools you need to improve your Italian in one value-packed workbook. Featuring six titles in one volume, Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian All-in-One provides a solid foundation of verbs, vocabulary and grammar, and conversational structures. This one-stop resource includes thorough explanations that are reinforced by hundreds of hands-on practice exercises to help you build the skills you communicate in Italian with confidence. A comprehensive index makes it easy to reference all grammar explanations throughout the book. This comprehensive program also offers you extensive support through McGraw-Hill Education’s unique Language Lab app. You’ll find flashcards sets for all vocabulary lists throughout the book as well as audio recordings for conversation practice. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian All-in-One features: • Six titles in one convenient volume: Complete Italian Grammar; Italian Conversation; Italian Verb Tenses; Italian Sentence Builder; Italian Pronouns and Prepositions; and Italian Vocabulary • An integrated approach that allows you to study at your own level and develop language skills at your own pace • Extensive digital support available via the McGraw-Hill Education Language Lab app • Digital flashcards for all vocabulary lists throughout the book • Streaming audio recordings for conversation practice
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 1260455130
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 673
Book Description
Get six times the language-learning expertise for the price of one book! More than two million students have turned to the Practice Makes Perfect series for a trusted guide to help build their language-learning skills. And, now this bestselling brand offers you all of the tools you need to improve your Italian in one value-packed workbook. Featuring six titles in one volume, Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian All-in-One provides a solid foundation of verbs, vocabulary and grammar, and conversational structures. This one-stop resource includes thorough explanations that are reinforced by hundreds of hands-on practice exercises to help you build the skills you communicate in Italian with confidence. A comprehensive index makes it easy to reference all grammar explanations throughout the book. This comprehensive program also offers you extensive support through McGraw-Hill Education’s unique Language Lab app. You’ll find flashcards sets for all vocabulary lists throughout the book as well as audio recordings for conversation practice. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian All-in-One features: • Six titles in one convenient volume: Complete Italian Grammar; Italian Conversation; Italian Verb Tenses; Italian Sentence Builder; Italian Pronouns and Prepositions; and Italian Vocabulary • An integrated approach that allows you to study at your own level and develop language skills at your own pace • Extensive digital support available via the McGraw-Hill Education Language Lab app • Digital flashcards for all vocabulary lists throughout the book • Streaming audio recordings for conversation practice
La Bella Figura
Author: Beppe Severgnini
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0307486877
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
Join the bestselling author of Ciao, America! on a lively tour of modern Italy that takes you behind the seductive face it puts on for visitors—la bella figura—and highlights its maddening, paradoxical true self You won’t need luggage for this hypothetical and hilarious trip into the hearts and minds of Beppe Severgnini’s fellow Italians. In fact, Beppe would prefer if you left behind the baggage his crafty and elegant countrymen have smuggled into your subconscious. To get to his Italia, you’ll need to forget about your idealized notions of Italy. Although La Bella Figura will take you to legendary cities and scenic regions, your real destinations are the places where Italians are at their best, worst, and most authentic: The highway: in America, a red light has only one possible interpretation—Stop! An Italian red light doesn’t warn or order you as much as provide an invitation for reflection. The airport: where Italians prove that one of their virtues (an appreciation for beauty) is really a vice. Who cares if the beautiful girls hawking cell phones in airport kiosks stick you with an outdated model? That’s the price of gazing upon perfection. The small town: which demonstrates the Italian genius for pleasant living: “a congenial barber . . . a well-stocked newsstand . . . professionally made coffee and a proper pizza; bell towers we can recognize in the distance, and people with a kind word and a smile for everyone.” The chaos of the roads, the anarchy of the office, the theatrical spirit of the hypermarkets, and garrulous train journeys; the sensory reassurance of a church and the importance of the beach; the solitude of the soccer stadium and the crowded Italian bedroom; the vertical fixations of the apartment building and the horizontal democracy of the eat-in kitchen. As you venture to these and many other locations rooted in the Italian psyche, you realize that Beppe has become your Dante and shown you a country that “has too much style to be hell” but is “too disorderly to be heaven.” Ten days, thirty places. From north to south. From food to politics. From saintliness to sexuality. This ironic, methodical, and sentimental examination will help you understand why Italy—as Beppe says—“can have you fuming and then purring in the space of a hundred meters or ten minutes.”
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0307486877
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
Join the bestselling author of Ciao, America! on a lively tour of modern Italy that takes you behind the seductive face it puts on for visitors—la bella figura—and highlights its maddening, paradoxical true self You won’t need luggage for this hypothetical and hilarious trip into the hearts and minds of Beppe Severgnini’s fellow Italians. In fact, Beppe would prefer if you left behind the baggage his crafty and elegant countrymen have smuggled into your subconscious. To get to his Italia, you’ll need to forget about your idealized notions of Italy. Although La Bella Figura will take you to legendary cities and scenic regions, your real destinations are the places where Italians are at their best, worst, and most authentic: The highway: in America, a red light has only one possible interpretation—Stop! An Italian red light doesn’t warn or order you as much as provide an invitation for reflection. The airport: where Italians prove that one of their virtues (an appreciation for beauty) is really a vice. Who cares if the beautiful girls hawking cell phones in airport kiosks stick you with an outdated model? That’s the price of gazing upon perfection. The small town: which demonstrates the Italian genius for pleasant living: “a congenial barber . . . a well-stocked newsstand . . . professionally made coffee and a proper pizza; bell towers we can recognize in the distance, and people with a kind word and a smile for everyone.” The chaos of the roads, the anarchy of the office, the theatrical spirit of the hypermarkets, and garrulous train journeys; the sensory reassurance of a church and the importance of the beach; the solitude of the soccer stadium and the crowded Italian bedroom; the vertical fixations of the apartment building and the horizontal democracy of the eat-in kitchen. As you venture to these and many other locations rooted in the Italian psyche, you realize that Beppe has become your Dante and shown you a country that “has too much style to be hell” but is “too disorderly to be heaven.” Ten days, thirty places. From north to south. From food to politics. From saintliness to sexuality. This ironic, methodical, and sentimental examination will help you understand why Italy—as Beppe says—“can have you fuming and then purring in the space of a hundred meters or ten minutes.”