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BOOK REVIEW: The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Italian Culture Editor, Gino Moliterno Routledge Press, 2003. 704 pp. The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Italian Culture is a reference book covering Italian society from after World War II. As the editor, Gino Moliterno, explains in the brief introduction, the 50 plus years following the Great War have been a time of great change in Italian culture, moving "from a predominantly rural and relatively provincial culture into a bustling, post-industrial, metropolitan society." This was time of great unification for Italy and a time when it entered the international arena even more fully, joining both NATO and the European Union. This reference book focuses on these modern decades, offering "over 900 entries covering every aspect of life and culture in the Italian First Republic." Entries will appeal to both the academic researcher and the more general reader interested in Italian modern life. For the purposes of this reference book, the editors have interpreted "culture" in the broadest sense of the term. The editor explains that the entries cover "all social activities and institutions and all communicative and symbolic practices which might be considered as forming part of a distinctively Italian 'way of life'." The reader will find entries that cover aspects of "high" culture as well as entries that deal with popular culture. Therefore, one will find entries on Italo Calvino, a key figure in modern Italian literature, alongside entries on comics and detective fiction. (Interestingly, Calvino, himself, often blurred the distinctions between high culture and pop culture in his literary works.) There are even entries about television, for "As Umberto Eco has noted, one of the most significant cultural achievements in the postwar period, namely the use of a standard Italian language throughout the peninsula, was finally brought about neither through literature nor the efforts of intellectuals but quite effortlessly by television. It is indeed significant that Italy is the only country in the world where a television magnate controlling three national networks has been elected, even if only briefly, to the office of Prime Minister . . . " To provide a full understanding of modern Italian American culture, the editor has included a few entries that do not pertain to life on the peninsula. The reader will find entries on "migration', 'literature of migration', 'Italian outside Italy' (referring to the language) and 'Italian-American Cinema.'" However, space limitations do not allow for a full coverage of Italian culture outside of Italy proper, and one will not find entries, for example, covering the Little Italies found in the United States. The editor gives concise and useful information on how to use the book: Entries are arranged alphabetically and ranging from concise thumbnail sketches to longer overview essays. For readers with a particular interest, a thematic contents list on p. xiv groups entries according to subject (e.g. music or the visual arts). In the body of each entry direct cross-references, indicated in bold type, lead to other relevant articles in the volume. Where appropriate a 'see also' section at the end of an entry will indicate further related topics. Biographical entries include dates and places of birth and death, followed by the profession of the subject. Wherever available, the exact day, month and year have been given. For the benefit of English speakers place-names have generally been anglicized. Suggestions for further reading are given where appropriate and where relevant texts are easily accessible. All titles of books, plays and films are given both in their original and in English translation. One of my favorite entries is on "music festivals" in which the contributor explains that music festivals in Italy cover a variety of musical styles for opera to rock to jazz. He goes on to explain that festivals often receive local and national government support. The entry, also, describes several famous music festivals in the country. However, I was disappointed that there were not individual entries for "rock" or "jazz" in Italy while there were entries for "opera" and "rap music" While opera is certainly one of Italy's highest and most identifiable cultural traditions and "rap music" is "a major phenomenon," other musical styles have also influenced Italian culture. For instance, Italian jazz, while not a major cultural force, has thrived in the country, producing such important musicians as trumpeter Enrico Rava and piano players Stefano Bollani and Enrico Pieranunzi, for which no entries exist. Aside from these overlooked entries, the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Italian Culture will serve most readers well. Those interested in modern Italian culture, whether as a researcher or a general reader, will find this an extremely useful place to start and fairly comprehensive reference book. Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE