Modern Romania is made up of the three former principalities of Transylvania, Moldavia and Wallachia; a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that embraces Greek, Roman, Slav, Bulgarian and Hungarian cultures (and even those of the Italian Renaissance and Byzantine, Ottoman and Habsburg empires). This is an inspiring guidebook, providing an in-depth examination of the country's history and culture, with chapters written by different experts on each subject, including the painted churches of Moldavia, Romania textiles, music and glass icons, and an impressive examination of modern Romania's economy. The guide concludes with a shorter section of practical information about where and when to visit. It is also beautifully illustrated with colour photographs. Perfect for anyone looking for an intelligently written, well-researched book on one of the most beguiling and romantic of countries.
"As with almost all European folk music, that of the Romanis is allied to the seasons, and, consequently, to life and death. But there is another genre of Romanian folk music, called the doina. This does not refer to any specific incident or time of year, but rather to a particular state of mind. The doina, while not being intentionally sad or pessimistic in character, tends to express the external struggle of life, the darker side of existence… in the Wallachian region, there exists a unique type of doina which sings of love in all its forms… here, generally, the music conveys a more optimistic state of mind."
TUSCANY by Alistair Moffat (Birlinn £17.99)
Tuscany has long held a particular place in the affections of the British – for a long time, the Italian for foreigners, first used in the 1830s, was gli inglesi – the English. In this compelling narrative, Moffat attempts to answer the question about what exactly it is that makes this part of Italy so seductive. In doing so he takes the reader on a delicious trip through the geography, history and culture of the region. Moffat is as good on the significance of the rise to prominence of cities like Luca, Pisa and Florence as he is on a more general examination of the role that Tuscany has played in the development of Italy. He tends to concentrate on the cultural and historical, with little, say, on the region's influential culinary heritage, but this is a minor criticism of an otherwise impressive book.
"Never hang around the Palazzo della Signoria as if it is the place where you do business. Only go there when you are summoned, and only accept the offices that are bestowed on you. Never make a show before the people, but if this is unavoidable, let it be the least necessary. Keep out of the public gaze, and never go against the will of the people – unless they are advocating some disastrous project."
Giovanni de' Medici's advice in 1428 to his son, Cosimo the Elder
Source:telegraph.co.uk
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