An Italian literary masterpiece comes with a new English translation and Giulia and Raffaele are eager to get it to dissect it properly! But first, a presentation to our beloved listeners about this book: The Betrothed. Historical novels never go out of fashion but this one is a peculiar mix of Enlightenment reason and Romanticism feeling, with a touch of Faith, a bit of gentle patriotism and lots of ironic commentary.

Trust us: if a novel stays relevant for 200 years straight, it is worth reading.

Alessandro Manzoni is the Italian precursor of Victor Hugo, and his work represent the ancestor of Les Misérables: will Michael F. Moore's translation bring it to the fore of immortal novels not only in Italy, but in the whole world?

We think the world needs Manzoni's thoughts, feelings and words, so... We hope!

See you on Gunsbooksandcannoli.com!

Giulia and Raffaele dabble in Italian Christmassy traditions, with an eye on some differences compared to Northern European customs and the usual Raffaelian nerdy rant about history. This time, he tells us about a famous Saint whose relics were stolen by PIOUS PIRATES FROM BARI, the same Saint that will be later known as SANTA CLAUS. You'll learn where his mortal remains rest while his spirit travels to your home, bringing gifts and remembrances of obscure Indo-European symbols. That part is kept short by our soursweet Giulia, who will however have her spirits hijacked by her love for food.

So, there's a part about food. Like, all the special dishes prepared for Christmas in Italy. There are many of those. We could go on and on and on. After listening that part you'd probably need to fast for a couple of days. 

Hope you'll like this episode! Find all the tasty details on www.GunsBooksAndCannoli.com!

Giulia begins to show her Tuscan origins by being a prideful little Hermione. Raffaele recalls the times he was foolish enough to ask her in marriage. Too late! The Southern Italian marriage, much like the one in "My big fat greek marriage" dictates that he already put all his money into it. There is no escape, so our heroes start considering why, even though there are many differences between different Italian regions, it's so cool (and natural) to be together. It feels natural but being in a united Italy was never easy in history, and it isn't now!

If it sounds like a messy episode, that's because it is: all in the best Italian tradition.

See you on Gunsbooksandcannoli.com!

There's a heated discussion going on in Italy about our first female Prime Minister: but strong women have always been a thing in Italian history. In this historical episode, Giulia will tell you the story of an amazing woman who lived, ruled, and experimented with alchemy... during the Renaissance.

So who won? A goblin, a witch, a spy, a zombie? In this episode, sliiiightly polemic, we are showing you what really happened in the general elections of the 25th of september in Italy. The day after there still is some confusion, but one thing is clear, or actually 4 things: four huge dynamics that mught affect Italy, Europe, the world, and the lives of anyone who loves Italy. 

Or maybe not! You decide.

And give us your opinion if you like!

Welcome to Italy!

In this episode, while Giulia is busy, Raffaele will tell you the story of a Renaissance warchief: if you know your art history you've probably already seen his face, but few know his name and his importance in warfare, history and culture.

We're talking about Federico da Montefeltro, and his adventures will introduce you to a legendary era: one in which on every hill there was a castle barring your way to glory and immortality, one in which even if you were the most respected soldier of fortune you had to balance your military prowess with mathemathics, cunning, politics, religion, and entrust your legacy to painters that could bring your mortal effigie in the next eras, in order to preserve your memory against the grudges of the most enduring institution on Earth.

Italy is going to elect a new Parliament. Who will save us? In this apolitical episode Raffaele and Giulia will report what Italians say about each political party. Between demonic possessions, zombies, Russian spies, French spies, mad taxxers and medieval threats, the Democratic Apocalypse is looming upon our beautiful country.

Can you believe everyone? Can you believe the media reports? Who's telling the truth? Of course, WE are. We're the media now. Deal with it.

What's Guns Books & Cannoli?

Because Italy is beautiful and... it need all the help it can get. But most of all, it needs to start believing again in its worth. Nice to meet you, let's go!