Buon Giorno, Arezzo
A Postcard from Tuscany
Edited by Suzette R. Grillot and Zach P. Messitte
Foreword by David L. Boren, Giuseppe Fanfani and Cindy Simon Rosenthal
Published by: University of Oklahoma Press
Imprint: University of Oklahoma Press
200 Pages | 9 x 10 | 169 color illus., 1 map
$24.95
In the heart of Tuscany stands the city of Arezzo, beckoning those who would know more of the real Italy. A spectacular medieval town of 100,000 residents, Arezzo invites travelers to see its sights and sample its considerable charms. It reserves a special warmth for those who wish to stay a while and truly experience life under the Tuscan sun. In a similar fashion, Buon Giorno, Arezzo invites visitors to make themselves at home. The authors and photographers featured here are kindred spirits—Americans, Europeans, students, and scholars—all touched by Arezzo’s magic and eager to share their experience with newcomers.
Buon Giorno, Arezzo sketches the city’s unique history, from ancient Italy to the present day, with beautifully illustrated forays into its rich tradition of architecture and art—including the masterwork of Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca. Contributors offer insight into Arezzo’s language, introducing visitors to speech patterns and accents harking back to the Etruscans, as well as distinct dialects that put the region—the birthplace of Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch), a godfather of the Italian language—at the very “center of the Italian language universe.” Italians are known internationally for their contributions to music, fashion, film, and wine—and Arezzo’s significant influence in each of these areas comes to light and life as the authors explore the city’s vibrant modern culture and economy.
A congenial companion and knowledgeable guide, steeped in history and replete with photographs of Arezzo’s visual delights, Buon Giorno, Arezzo is an essential resource for any traveler hoping to immerse themselves in the daily rhythms and cultural depths of this incomparable Italian city.
Suzette R. Grillot is Dean of the College of International Studies, Vice Provost for International Programs, and William J. Crowe Jr. Chair in Geopolitics at the University of Oklahoma.
Zach P. Messitte is President of Ripon College in Wisconsin and is coeditor (with Suzette R. Grillot) of Understanding the Global Community.
A Rhodes Scholar, David Boren has served as President of the University of Oklahoma (1994–2018), U.S. Senator from Oklahoma (1979–1994), and Governor of Oklahoma (1975–1979) and chaired the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 1987 to 1993. He is the author of A Letter to America.
Giuseppe Fanfani is former Mayor of Arezzo.
Cindy Simon Rosenthal is Mayor of Norman, Oklahoma, sister city to Arezzo.