The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare Made Easy)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Another Shakespeare Classic
  • Mercy Versus Justice
  • Shakespeare's Worst Play
  • Shakespeare's Worst Play
  • Shakespeare Comes to Life!
The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare Made Easy)
William Shakespeare , and Tessa Krailing
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  4. Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Made Easy) Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Made Easy)
  5. The Merchant of Venice (Cliffs Notes) The Merchant of Venice (Cliffs Notes)

Accessories:
  1. Merchant of Venice, The (Barron's Book Notes) Merchant of Venice, The (Barron's Book Notes)
  2. Hamlet (Shakespeare Made Easy) Hamlet (Shakespeare Made Easy)
  3. Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Made Easy) Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Made Easy)

ASIN: 0812035704

Book Description

Here are the books that help teach Shakespeare plays without the teacher constantly needing to explain and define Elizabethan terms, slang, and other ways of expression that are different from our own. Each play is presented with Shakespeare's original lines on each left-hand page, and a modern, easy-to-understand "translation" on the facing right-hand page. All dramas are complete, with every original Shakespearian line, and a full-length modern rendition of the text.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Another Shakespeare Classic.......2006-03-24

I read the "Merchant of Venice" after reading "Romeo and Juliet", another of Shakespeare's masterpieces, and I thoroughly enjoyed the play. The "Merchant of Venice" is an excellent play that explores moral and ethical issues of what is right or wrong, good or bad, vice or virtue. It teaches that ultimately good will win over evil, love over hate.

Shakespeare powerfully brings out the characters in his play in a compelling and unforgettable way. Portia is shown to be the perfect woman, full of wisdom and wit, loving with all her soul, and submitting with all her heart to Bassanio.

Antonio was a kind and generous man who often helped people who were indebted to Shylock, the greed moneylender, to repay their debts. Antonio offers to go into debt for a loan to enable his friend Bassanio to have enough money to impress Portia, a woman he wishes to court and marry. The cruel Shylock demands a pound of his flesh if Antonio cannot pay back the loan. Antonio fails to pay the loan on time and it is only the clever and witty Portia who saves Antonio by pointing out in court that the agreement with Shylock requires him to take exactly one pound of flesh and that no blood has to be shed.

Among the various interesting sub-plots was where various Portia's suitors had to choose between three caskets. According to her late father's will, Portia's suitor must choose the correct of three caskets that contained Portia's picture (gold, silver, and lead), and then, if correct, he may marry Portia. The Moroccan prince arrives to woo Portia and learns that if he chooses the wrong chest, he must swear to never ask any woman to marry him. The Moroccan prince chooses a chest to open and he incorrectly chooses the gold one. The Prince of Aragon arrives and chooses the silver chest, also the wrong one. Bassanio, whom Portia loved, correctly chooses the lead casket and wins Portia's hand in marriage.

The one aspect of this play that mars an otherwise perfect play is the characterisation of Shylock, the Jew to be a caricature of Jewish usury and greed versus Christian mercy and kindness.

5 out of 5 stars Mercy Versus Justice.......2002-12-27

William Shakespheare in the Merchant of Venice, explores again, like so many of his other plays, the difference between vice and virture, the noble and ignoble. This time out he compares the hero Antonio's acts of mercy with the villian Shylock's desire for justice, the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law. Shakespheare shows throughout the play that he is very confident that Christianity and its followers are superior to Judaism and its followers and quite frankly, his portrayal of the Jewish moneylender Shylock is anti-Semitic and leaves out none of the negative stereotypes. The play seems to be a Christian polemic with its theological interest in Christianity's mercy versus Judaism's justice, as Shakespheare sees it. It may have also been a warning to its audience about the moneylenders of Shakespheare's time.

The story is one in which Antonio offers to go into debt for a loan so that his friend Bassanio can have enough money to impress Portia, a woman he wishes to court and marry. Antonio goes into debt to Shylock, a moneylender who demands a pound of his flesh if he cannot pay back the loan. Shylock hates Antonio because Antonio has payed off many loans of his indebted clients and also has badmouthed him as an unethical loan shark, trying to damage Shylock's business.

It is the tension of hate between the two, which give the play an intensity, especially at the climax when Shylock is about to take a pound of his flesh. Also the fear of losing flesh to the moneylender makes for good drama. The character Shylock has some juicy vitriolic lines during the scene. And there is a certain glee Shakespheare builds into the play to see Shylock's "justice" turned against him.

There is also a subplot involving Portia and her various suitors who have to choose between 3 caskets of gold, silver, and lead. Choosing the correct casket will make them the husband of Portia. It was interesting to read about the different reasonings that each suitor has for their choices. Portia also disguises herself as a judge during Antonio's trial in which she helps to set him free of the charges and his friend Bassanio is persuaded to give up his engagement ring to the judge out of gratitude, which gets him in trouble with Portia later who does not tell him she was the judge as she asks him what happened to the ring.

This is a good, tightly constructed play with none of diffuseness of King Lear. It had more drama too.

1 out of 5 stars Shakespeare's Worst Play.......2002-12-06

This is one of the worst plays ever published. I thought Shakespeare was a fool after reading this complely pointless play. Do not wase your money on this book because it is completly worthless. A total waste of time to even read any of this play.

1 out of 5 stars Shakespeare's Worst Play.......2002-12-06

This is one of the worst plays ever published. I thought Shakespeare was a fool after reading this complely pointless play. Do not wase your money on this book because it is completly worthless. A total waste of time to even read any of this play.

5 out of 5 stars Shakespeare Comes to Life!.......2002-07-27

I really enjoyed having the side by side version...I found myself reading most often in the original text first, and glancing over at the modern text for clarification of meaning and humor. It made it very quick and enjoyable to read. High recommendation!
Made in Italy: A Shopper's Guide to the Best of Italian Tradition (Made in Italy)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful Cover
  • Well Made
  • let out leather
  • A Great Resource
  • simply the best
Made in Italy: A Shopper's Guide to the Best of Italian Tradition (Made in Italy)
Laura Morelli
Manufacturer: Universe Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Commercial | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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  1. Suzy Gershman's Born to Shop Italy: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers Who Love to Shop (Born To Shop) Suzy Gershman's Born to Shop Italy: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers Who Love to Shop (Born To Shop)
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ASIN: 0789308754
Release Date: 2003-08-23

Book Description

Each year, Americans flock to Italy in search of rich Old World cultural traditions and handmade crafts. Now Laura Morelli, art historian and Italy aficionado, has created the first guide to shopping and touring Italy's handmade treasuresincluding Sicilian ceramics, the Murano glass of Venice, Tuscan terracotta, gold and coral jewelry of Sardinia, Florence's marble paper, Torre del Greco's cameos, and much, much more. Organized by region, Made in Italy takes the reader on a complete tour of the dazzling artisanal legacy of Italy, uncovering one-of-a-kind hidden workshops and off-the-beaten-path tours. Slender enough to fit in the traveler's handbag, packed with useful tips on pricing, quality and value, with a year-round calendar of craft festivals, Made in Italy is the perfect supplemental guide for everyone interested in bringing home the unique treasures of Italy.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Beautiful Cover.......2007-07-23

This book could make you give up shopping. Pottery, cheese, glass...not one good tip on the outlets. The cover is beautiful.

4 out of 5 stars Well Made.......2007-06-11

At last a different slant for the lover of all things Italian in Italy. Well researched and very readable. A great "homework" book for anyone wishing to bring home a little of authentic Italy on their next trip.

3 out of 5 stars let out leather.......2006-08-31

I was dissapointed that leather shopping is not covered. That is one item I really associate with Italy and the author simply states that there are many nice shop. I rarely buy items such as pottery or glasss as shipping or carring it home is costly.This book would be great if these are your favorites.(pottery and glass) I did E-mail the author about leather shopping in Florence but no reply .

5 out of 5 stars A Great Resource.......2006-03-07

If you are going to Italy and are interested in things specific to the region and made there, this book is a great resource for planning your trip and also a great companion through the actual adventure.

The photos are great. The text is informative. Plus, some things you may not have thought of on your own are covered and suggested.

Having just returned from a driving trip through Italy, I can say the book was definitely valuable although you need to supplement with your own research as to practicalities (such as how to get to places and actually find the shops within the cities).

Also, some of the cities actually publish listings/maps of the shops. So, for example, it is possible to obtain a map of the ceramics shops of Faenza from the city's tourist office.

We had some difficulties in trying to find some of the addresses, and some of the recommendations are a matter of taste, but these are details. I wish there were more books of this sort. A great resource!

5 out of 5 stars simply the best.......2004-06-11

Being the owner of a furniture store, my last visit to Italy was a ceramics buying trip. The recommendations in this book were right on. The section on Deruta was especially good.
Othello (Shakespeare Made Easy)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Arden Shakespeare "Othello"
  • Great guide to one of Shakespeare's best tragedies
  • helpful
  • WONDERFUL!
  • An excellent edition of one of Shakespeare's best tragedies.
Othello (Shakespeare Made Easy)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Shakespeare, WilliamShakespeare, William | ( S ) | Playwrights, A-Z | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ShakespeareShakespeare | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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  4. The Merchant of Venice (Signet Classics) The Merchant of Venice (Signet Classics)
  5. Macbeth (Signet Classics) Macbeth (Signet Classics)

Accessories:
  1. Macbeth (Shakespeare Made Easy) Macbeth (Shakespeare Made Easy)
  2. Hamlet (Shakespeare Made Easy) Hamlet (Shakespeare Made Easy)
  3. King Lear (Shakespeare Made Easy) King Lear (Shakespeare Made Easy)

ASIN: 0764120581

Book Description

Shakespeare's tragedy of the Moor whose love for Desdemona is destroyed by jealousy is presented in its original text on each left-hand page, with a modernized "translation" on the facing right-hand page. Also included are quizzes and discussion points that teachers can use in the classroom and include in tests.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Arden Shakespeare "Othello".......2007-09-28

As mentioned on my review of the Norton Critical Edition of "Othello," I purchased the two versions together so I could put together an online version of the play for a project my professor has been working on for some time now. Personally, I like this version better than the Norton one because it keeps the British spellings, but for the purpose of the project the spellings are being made into the American spelling. Overall, it's a good edition and, as with the Norton edition, came at the suggestion of my professor.

5 out of 5 stars Great guide to one of Shakespeare's best tragedies.......2007-06-16

I have never intently read Shakespeare before, but enough people told me that I needed to read "Othello" that I decided to break down and buy a copy. Everything about Shakespeare I find intimidating, so with much trepidation did I buy this critical edition of "Othello". Needless to say, this work is AMAZING. Not only does Dr. Honigmann give notes along the way to help the reader interpret what the characters are saying, but he also provides an extensive introduction outlining Shakespeare's sources, some possible motives, and some character criticism. He also provides one of Shakespeare's main sources, a short story written by Giraldi Cinthio, and in this short story he provides notes that link it directly to the text of "Othello". I am completely sold on "The Arden Shakespeare" series, and will continue to use it in the future. A definite buy!

4 out of 5 stars helpful.......2007-01-15

I have my degree in English... I like reading and teaching with this version as "help" not as a substitution. It gives a clearer understanding to Shakespeare for people who have difficulty with it.

5 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL!.......2006-04-22

Though I am not a particular fan of Shakespearian work, I instantly fell in love wioth Othello. This play is one of the greatest things ever written. Never has a playwright combined love, extreme decpeption, jealousy, anger, and fear in a play like Shakespeare has in Othello.

Even if you are not a fan of Shakespeare, I highlky recommend this play.

If you do not wish to read the play then I would recommend going out and renting or buying the movie "O" with Josh Hartnet, Julia Stiles, and Mikih Phifer. I would rent/but the 2 disc version because the second disc includes the original silent version of "Othello" from the 1920s.

4 out of 5 stars An excellent edition of one of Shakespeare's best tragedies........2004-07-20

"Othello" is one of Shakespeare's most popular tragedies, and since most people, even those who have not read or seen the play before, probably already have a basic idea of the plot, I will keep my synopsis short. The military general Othello is a Moor, a black man, who has just married a Venetian woman, Desdemona. Theirs is a marriage of opposites in many respects - race, age, upbringing, etc. - and yet they have overcome all this and are happy with each other. But Iago, perhaps Shakespeare's most infamous villain, is determined to ruin Othello, who has promoted another man, Cassio, to the lieutenancy, a position Iago feels should have been given to himself. He therefore sets about poisoning Othello's mind against his chaste and loving wife, convincing the Moor that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him with Cassio. The events that follow lay out one of the most masterful and heartbreaking examples of dramatic irony.

While I am not usually one to go in for tragedies, I do thoroughly enjoy this particular play. The story is expertly woven, with each twist in the plot simultaneously wrenching the reader's / viewer's heart. We know exactly what is going on, even though the characters do not, and this is what makes "Othello" such a very tragic story. And yet, in the end we are left with a sense of resolution and justice, not merely empty sorrow, and perhaps this is what appeals to me about this play.

Nevertheless, I do not think the play is perfect (though my 4-star rating here is in comparison with Shakespeare's other works, and not drama in general; against most other drama I would award it a 5-star rating). While I do think Iago is a brilliant character, I cannot help thinking that his hatred for Othello seems rather disproportionate to the wrongs he thinks have been done against him. He is upset over not being given the lieutenancy, but is this reason enough to bring about so many deaths? There is also the fact that Iago suspects his own wife, Emilia, has been unfaithful with the Moor, but Iago has no actual proof of this. However, this disproportionality is one I am willing to overlook for the sake of enjoyment of the play. What bothers me slightly more is that Othello, presumeably a very intelligent man, would allow a mere suspicion to grow into such an intense state of jealousy when he has no definite proof of his wife's infidelity. One would think he would do some investigation for himself, rather than being content to have Iago feed him all the "facts."

I now wish to comment on the particular edition of this play that I read - the 1993 "New Folger Library" printing, edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. I have read several of of the Folger versions of Shakespeare's plays, and have found them unbeatable as far as making Shakespeare's works accessible to the layman. The book is laid out with the text of the play appearing on the right-hand page of each two-page spread, while the left-hand page contains textual notes that are of tremendous help in understanding the play. Words and phrases that have become obsolete since Shakespeare's day are defined clearly, and any allusions that would not be obvious to a modern reader are also explained. The fact that one can access these notes without having to flip back and forth through the pages makes it much easier to maintain one's place and train of thought.

Another thing I like about this particular edition is that it contains the entire play. Two versions of "Othello" were published in Shakespere's day - a Quarto, which was a small and slightly condensed version, appeared in 1622, and the longer Folio version was published in 1623. Each version is slightly different, containing bits and pieces not present in the other. This printing of the play contains the entirety of both versions combined into one, with brackets around those words that appear in only one or the other of the original printings.

In addition to the play itself, this book contains an excellent introduction, with information about the play, the language of the time, drama in general, Shakespeare himself, theater in Shakespeare's day, a bit about his other works, and some editorial notes on this particular edition of "Othello." Thus, even the rankest newcomer to Shakespeare will not be at a loss here, though the book is equally suitable for those already familiar with Shakespeare and his works. At the end of the book is a brief but interesting and well-written essay entitled "Othello: A Modern Perspective" by Susan Snyder which offers further analysis of the play. I highly recommend the Folger editions of any of Shakespeare's plays to all readers. They are wonderful for use in the classroom, and also make it much easier to delve into Shakespeare on one's own.
Made in Italy
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good and informative book
Made in Italy

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1841157015

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good and informative book.......2006-11-02

Giorgio is one of my fave chefs on Foxtel in Australia. I like the way he explains how to make the dishes and the stories in the book. Just imagine him talking on the tv. Real fun! The book is really heavy. Not only does it have a lot of papers, but it also contains tons of information too. The design of the book is also nice. Clean and easy to read. It's really worth it to buy and make it part of your cooking book collection. I haven't finished reading it yet and am looking forward to it this weekend.
The Families Who Made Rome: A History and a Guide
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Book
  • Fascinating history for the Italophile or Rome-buff in your life
The Families Who Made Rome: A History and a Guide
Anthony Majanlahti
Manufacturer: Pimlico
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
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  5. The Pope's Daughter: The Extraordinary Life of Felice della Rovere The Pope's Daughter: The Extraordinary Life of Felice della Rovere

ASIN: 1844134091
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Book Description

Both history and guide, this fascinating book tells the stories of the noble clans who built the piazzas, palazzos and fountains we see today. Famous sites take on a new significance as the author tells the family histories with all the scandals, intrigues and power grabs.


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Book.......2006-06-15

This book brings to life a city I know (or thought I knew) very well, having been a student in Rome for 5 years. Vibrantly written, never short of an interesting insight and delightful detour away from the overknown locations for a vistor in Rome to see. Well done Anthony! What's next?

4 out of 5 stars Fascinating history for the Italophile or Rome-buff in your life.......2006-06-06

I love anything Roman: books about the city, photos, travelogues -- and I visit pretty often, usually once or twice a year. This book gives you the insight and family history behind all of the locales you'll see while traveling in Rome: the piazzas, churches, fountains, and pretty much anything of historical significance that you remember from your travels there. It's not a photo-filled armchair-traveler sort of book, it's got a lot of history in it. But it reads surprisingly easily for being the historical book that it is -- I expected it to feel more "dense" but it's very accessible. Is it for the first-time visitor to Rome? No. But if you've found yourself going back time after time, you will recognize the names and locations and the maps in the book, and this will definitely enhance your experience the next time you go.
Panna Cotta: Italy's Elegant Custard Made Easy
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Panna Cotta
  • Elegant and fun
  • "Panna Cotta" is a speciality cookbook recommended for anyone wanting to add a gourmet Italian touch
  • A Treasure...5 Stars
  • WOW!!! What a book!!!
Panna Cotta: Italy's Elegant Custard Made Easy
Camilla V. Saulsbury
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

DessertsDesserts | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1581825951
Release Date: 2007-03-01

Book Description

Panna Cotta: Italy's Elegant Custard Made Easy is a collection of 100 panna cotta recipes that are both simple and sophisticated. It is the perfect book for dessert recipes that have plenty of style but require little fuss.

Born in the Piedmont dairy country of northeast Italy, panna cotta is a soft, creamy, eggless custard whose name translates as "cooked cream." Despite its luxurious texture and elegant presentation, panna cotta is simple to prepare: heat some heavy cream, add sugar, softened gelatin, and flavorings, and then chill until set. And though the name means cooked cream, many of the panna cotte in this collection are reinterpreted with other dairy products, including plain milk, creme fraiche, buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, and mascarpone cheese.

This collection of recipes highlights how panna cotta, much like vanilla ice cream, is a blank slate for flavor possibilities. From the traditional--Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Balsamic Berries and Bittersweet Chocolate Panna Cotta--to nouveau interpretations--Lavender Panna Cotta with Blueberry Coulis and Muscovado Butterscotch Panna Cotta--there is a panna cotta recipe in this collection for most every taste and occasion.

While panna cotta is traditionally a dessert, this collection includes a chapter on savory panna cotta, reflecting recent restaurant trends in serving panna cotta as a first course. Recipes include panna cotta made with vegetable purees, such as Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Truffle Oil, and panna cotta made with a variety of savory cheeses, such as Goat Cheese Panna Cotta with Arugula-Roasted Beet Salad

Readers are offered tips for adapting panna cotta to a wide variety of occasions, making the recipes suitable for weeknight dining, small supper parties, or large gatherings. Fuss-free entertaining tips are proffered as well as an appendix for locating harder-to-find ingredients and equipment. Includes 28 small, color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Panna Cotta.......2007-07-04

I really like this cookbook. It has several different and unique recipes for panna cotta as well as the usual ones. I have never found another cookbook that is devoted only to panna cotta recipes. If you like panna cotta, this cookbook is for you.

5 out of 5 stars Elegant and fun.......2007-05-16

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/07)

When I visited my family last summer, everybody seemed to be serving panna cotta. Well, to be quite exact, everybody seemed to be serving strawberry panna cotta. While I had to agree that it was one of perfect summer desserts, I truly wished there would be more variety. I even toyed with the idea of trying something different at home, but it just never happened.

Then I came across Camilla V. Saulsbury's "Panna Cotta" and the cover photo was enough to pique my interest. See, the pretty dessert on the cover was not pink. It looked slightly marbled and had interesting dark specks in it. Garnished with mint and peaches it looked so inviting and mysterious. I could not resist delving into the book. The first four pages were a true feast for the eyes. Panna cottas of every hue, some of them even layered! Then came the introduction, where Ms. Saulsbury competently explains the basics and makes you familiar with the history of this deceptively simple, silky wonder and the ingredients as well as techniques used in the creation of various kinds of panna cottas. As fun as I found this first section, the real thrill started with the recipes. Chapter 1 deals with the Top-10 Panna Cotta Favorites. Surprisingly enough, strawberry was not one of them... But there were some that shall certainly become favorites in my kitchen, most notably the exquisite Lavender one. Well, the Cappuccino Layered Panna Cotta was not bad either...

Every one of the following chapters brought more intriguing recipes. They deal - in order of appearance - with Chocolate, Caramel & Spice; Fruit Panna Cotta, Spirited Panna Cotta, Enlightened Panna Cotta and Savory Panna Cotta. While I tried a couple more and I found all of them excellent, I am now waiting for the summer corn to appear on the market. The recipe that intrigued me most was the one using summer corn and crab. While the recipe calls for frozen corn, I just think it would be even better with some fresh corn kernels.

I found this book to be imaginative and down-to-earth. Most recipes don't call for any over-the-top ingredients. The instructions are clear and very easy to follow. While I wish that every recipe would be accompanied by a photo, I certainly appreciate the photo section in the beginning of the book. Having the serving suggestions as well as recipes for the accompaniments to the panna cottas available in the book will certainly make planning meals with those wonderful little creations considerably easier. It was an eye-opener for me to see all of the wonderful savory creations in this book, which could easily serve as the focal point of any meal, especially a summer one.

I would highly recommend "Panna Cotta: Italy's Elegant Custard Made Easy" to all cooking enthusiasts, especially those who are willing to accept the fact that panna cotta does not have to be strawberry flavored.

5 out of 5 stars "Panna Cotta" is a speciality cookbook recommended for anyone wanting to add a gourmet Italian touch .......2007-04-11

Food writer, food scholar, recipe developer, cookbook author, and an acknowledge San Francisco Bay area gourmet, Camilla Saulsbury once again applies her considerable experience and impressive expertise in compiling flavorful, lovely, savory, 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes for one hundred delectable dishes involving Panna Cotta (an elegant Italian custard). Thirty of these culinary delights are shown in their final form with wonderful full-color photography that enable even the most novice chef just what to expect and how they might be served as part of a memorable meal. From Lemon-Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Crushed Raspberry Sauce; Caramel-Coconut Panna Cotta; and Strawberry Daiquiri Panna Cotta; to Winter Spice Panna Cotta with Cabernet-Caramel Sauce; Cauliflower Panna Cotta with White Truffle Oil; and Gorgonzola Panna Cotta with Red Currant Gastrique and Crispy Prosciutto, "Panna Cotta" is a speciality cookbook recommended for anyone wanting to add a gourmet Italian touch to their dining menus.

5 out of 5 stars A Treasure...5 Stars.......2007-03-27


I love this cookbook. In the first week I tried five recipes, and all of them were perfect. This past weekend I made the Gianduia (chocolate hazelnut) panna cotta for a party of 16, serving it in martini glasses with a drizzle of Frangelico, dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top. People proclaimed it was the best dessert they had ever had, yet it literally took me about 20 minutes total to prepare (including the garnishes). Turned around and made the cinnamon panna cotta with sticky toffee sauce for my husband, son and his friend who was spending the night. Oh my goodness--what a dessert! The boys, both picky eaters, were literally licking their plates. You will really learn from this book--interesting history notes at the front as well as excellent information about the how-tos of panna cotta (I really appreciated this). And oh, the recipes: unique, easy and delicious that everyone from foodies to picky children will love.

Here are the 7 I've tried and give top marks to:

*Cinnamon Panna Cotta with Sticky Toffee Sauce*
*Gianduia Panna Cotta*
*Lemon Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Crushed Raspberry Sauce*
*Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta*
*Winter Spice Panna Cotta with Cabernet Caramel Sauce*
*Sweet Goat Cheese Panna Cotta with Roasted Plums*
*Ginger & Brown Sugar Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pineapple* (Note: this last one was from the "Light" chapter, lower in fat and calories. INCREDIBLE.)

5 out of 5 stars WOW!!! What a book!!!.......2007-03-17

I only wish there were a higher rating than 5 stars as this book deserves it. I have made a few panna cotta recipes in the past and was thrilled to find this book--the variations are INCREDIBLE. The recipes are easy to follow with utterly wonderful results. The lemon buttermilk panna cotta with crushed raspberry sauce, bittersweet chocolate panna cotta and crème fraiche panna cotta with red wine syrup are three of the most incredible desserts I have ever tasted--I can't believe I made them. The proportions of gelatin and sugar in the 3 recipes I tried are perfect--the panna cotta were delicately set with just the right amount of sweetness. I can't wait to make my way through the book--limoncello panna cotta and coffee toffee panna cotta are next on my to-do list. This is destined to become a classic. A must buy!
Made in God's Image?: Eve and Adam in the Genesis Mosaics at San Marco, Venice (California Studies in the History of Art Discovery Series)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Made in God's Image?: Eve and Adam in the Genesis Mosaics at San Marco, Venice (California Studies in the History of Art Discovery Series)
    Penny Howell Jolly
    Manufacturer: University of California Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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    MedievalMedieval | Italy | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 0520205375

    Book Description

    The stunning mosaics that illustrate the story of Creation in the church of San Marco in Venice are the focus of Penny Howell Jolly's compelling and provocative book. Scholars of medieval art have long been interested in the Genesis mosaics because they copy a nearly destroyed fifth-century illuminated Greek manuscript known as the Cotton Genesis. But instead of seeing the mosaics as a vehicle for reconstructing a lost cycle of paintings, Jolly presents them as a social document revealing the essential misogyny that existed in thirteenth-century Venice.
    Jolly analyzes more than twenty scenes, one by one in narrative order, and her perceptive reading goes well beyond what the Genesis Vulgate text says about Eve and Adam. The mosaics establish Eve as the culpable character from the very moment of her Creation, says Jolly, and depict her as dangerous and unrepentant at the end.
    Incorporating both feminist religious and narratological studies, Jolly poses important questions on the nature of visual language as opposed to verbal language. The very ability of visual forms to recall a rich variety of references is one source of their power, and propaganda must have enough breadth of reference to be read by diverse groups. The San Marco cupola, Jolly maintains, is dealing in powerful propaganda, and her pictorial observations offer an articulate and refreshing new view of this well-known work.
    Missoni (Made in Italy)
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      Missoni (Made in Italy)
      Leonard Arte
      Manufacturer: Gingko Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      GeneralGeneral | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Missoni (Made in Italy) Missoni (Made in Italy)
      2. Knitwear in Fashion Knitwear in Fashion

      ASIN: 3927258474

      Book Description

      Run by a husband and wife team, the house of Missoni is an exception to many of the trends of the fashion world. The fact that the Missonis ignored advice that one can't make swimwear out of knitted textiles, that they have remained together as a married couple, and their longevity all attest to their ability to resist trends. The company was founded by Ottavio (Tai) and Rosita Missoni in the late fifties and quickly became known as one of the great textile innovators. The Missoni's production of their unique style of soft knitwear, usually from natural fibers and in muted colors has oft been copied but never reproduced. In the new release from Gingko Press the path of the House of Missoni is traced from their early experiments with knitting looms to the newest lines of clothes in their trademark "space-dyed" knitwear. As Tai and Rosita pass the stewardship of the company over to their children there continues the trend of remaining an exception.
      Pasta & Pizza Presto: Over 100 of the Best, Authentic Italian Favourites Made Simple
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • tasty and easy recipes
      • Pasta & Pizza Presto : Step-By-Step
      • Pasta & Pizza Presto : Step-By-Step
      • Excellent Italian for Beginners!
      • Clear Pictures & Instructions. Tasty Recipes
      Pasta & Pizza Presto: Over 100 of the Best, Authentic Italian Favourites Made Simple
      Maxine Clark , Shirley Gill , Sue Maggs , Annie Nichols , and Steven Wheeler
      Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      PastaPasta | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
      ItalianItalian | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: 1859672795

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars tasty and easy recipes.......2003-02-10

      I've used recipes from this book for several years. It contains one of my all-time favorite dishes: pasta with a creamy avacado sauce. It also has great recipes for pizza dough.

      5 out of 5 stars Pasta & Pizza Presto : Step-By-Step.......2001-01-23

      I lived in Italy for 2 years and I found the recipes very authentic. Excellent recipes with excellent cooking techniques and great pictures of food and cooking equipment. I borrowed my girlfriend's copy and have made almost everything in the book. I'm waiting to buy my copy! I love it!

      5 out of 5 stars Pasta & Pizza Presto : Step-By-Step.......2001-01-23

      I lived in Italy for 2 years and I found the recipes very authentic. Excellent recipes with excellent cooking techniques and great pictures of food and cooking equipment. I borrowed my girlfriend's copy and have made almost everything in the book. I'm waiting to buy my copy! I love it!

      4 out of 5 stars Excellent Italian for Beginners!.......1999-10-05

      I found this book to have clear and cohesive explanations. As I thumbed through it I found several wonderful meat, seafood, and vegetarian recipies that anyone with any level of cooking experience could prepare. I'm a beginner at Italian cooking and my co-workers, friends, and family simply rave about the wonderful dishes that I serve at outings, dinners, and potlucks. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with little time and a desire to learn to cook.

      4 out of 5 stars Clear Pictures & Instructions. Tasty Recipes.......1998-06-17

      Pages are packed with simple, tasty looking recipes. The large photos show the dishes to perfection, and there are step-by-step guides for producing the pasta and pizza doughs. An excellent book that will appeal to all levels of cooks.
      Italian Made Nice & Easy (Languages Made Nice & Easy)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Italian Made Nice & Easy (Languages Made Nice & Easy)
        The Staff of REA
        Manufacturer: Research & Education Association
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
        English (All)English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
        ItalianItalian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
        ItalianItalian | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
        Study & TeachingStudy & Teaching | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
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        Study GuidesStudy Guides | Reference | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Italy | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
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        GeneralGeneral | England | Europe | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        ItalyItaly | Europe | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Education | Nonfiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Education | Professional & Technical | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        English (All)English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        ItalianItalian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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        ItalianItalian | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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        ASIN: 0878913718

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