That Fine Italian Hand

by Paul Hofmann

No other people over so long a history have shown a greater knack for survival than the Italians. In this wryly affectionate book, Hofmann reveals his adopted countrymen in all their glorious paradoxes, capturing their national essence as no other book has done since Luigi Barzini's classic, The Italians . The national art of "arrangement"-- dodging taxes, double-dealing, working only as hard as one must-- is counteracted by Italian inventive genius, gusto for life, fierce individuality, deep family bonds (as well as animosities), and a marvelously hedonistic sophistication.

Genres: Italy, Travel, Nonfiction, History, Italian Literature

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Paul Hofmann was an author, journalist, linguist, and political activist. The New York Times, for whom he was a foreign correspondent, described him as fluent in German, Italian, French, and English, having a command of several other languages that was more than passable, as well as "a broad grasp of history and diplomatic affairs and an often playful curiosity."

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Hofmann takes on Italy and Italians in this close look at all the quirky elements of Italian families, Mafia, food, espresso, and red tape.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a primer for understanding Italians in preparation for our next visit to Italy, I enjoyed Paul Hoffman's perspective. His examples of the government and infrastructure may be as correct today as when he wrote this book in the 1980s, will see. His references to business success explained Fiat and Benneton among others. He writes a fun, factual account of his adopted country since he hung up his brown uniform of the Reich in Rome after liberation by the allies.

[Jeff J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An examination of the Italian character.

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

very disappointing book. anticipating that it was as billed, and would walk through the cultural and social phenom of the italians "in all their glorious paradoxes," it is a series of random and inartful descriptions based on the authors encounters in post WWII Italy. his chapter "all in the family?" instead of examining the strong family ethic of the italian culture is largely centered on notorious affairs of the aristocracy, sexual assault, and a brief nod to a couple of well-known family businesses - Gucci, United Colors of Benetton, and Fiat. early in the book there is a relatively interesting explanation of the tension between north and south, but it faded after that, sadly. after the 'family' chapter i skimmed the rest and didn't see anything compelling further inspection.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Western handwriting as taught to first graders today developed from early 14th C. Florentine cursive', says author Paul Hofmann, an Italy-lover. This book and Luigi Barzini's are a couple valentines to Italy and Italians. As such (quite in keeping with the Italian character) these valentine are not without muckraking exposure and skewering of the dark sides of Italy's history, culture, and people. Utterly enjoyable

[Sarah McShane · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I do feel that I learned about the Country and people of Italy, having read this book 24 years after it was written its very outdated. As others mentioned, it doesn't portray Italians in a great light but we all have our problems don't we? I'm also confused about the title of this book because it definitely doesn't not coincide with the writing and feel almost ironic.

[Luna Reist · Rating 3 out of 5]

excellent insight into Italian culture

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 2003 before our trip to Italy.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is dated; however, it is interesting to learn about many cultural elements of Italy, especially if you are Italian. After reading this book, I do not know how Italy exists with any success.