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The Invention of Sicily

A Mediterranean History

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The Invention of Sicily

By: Jamie Mackay
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

Sicily has always acted as a gateway between Europe and the rest of the world. Fought over by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the Romans, Goths and Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, Germans, and the Spanish and the French for thousands of years, Sicily became a unique melting pot where diverse traditions merged, producing a unique heritage and singular culture.

In this fascinating account of the island from the earliest times to the present day, author and journalist Jamie Mackay leads us through this most elusive of places. From its pivotal position in the development of Greek and Roman mythology, and the beautiful remnants of both the Arab and Norman invasions, through to the rise of the bandits and the Cosa Nostra, The Invention of Sicily is the perfect companion to the culture and history of Sicily.

Mackay weaves the political and social development of the island in with its fascinating cultural heritage - in doing so discussing how great works including Lampedusa's masterpiece The Leopard and its film adaptation by Visconti, and the novels of Leonardo Sciascia, among many others, have both been shaped by Sicily's past, and continue to shape it into the present.

©2021 Jamie Mackay (P)2021 Tantor 20th Century Europe Italy Modern Middle Ages Africa Ancient History Middle East Latin American Tradition Crusade Historical Nonfiction

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This is a clear, concise history of an extraordinarily diverse island that’s been in the centre of Mediterranean civilisation through all its phases: Greek, Roman, Islamic, Norman, Bourbon to name but a few. This could be a dry procession of armies and rulers but the author uses architecture, art, literature, food, film etc to paint a vivid picture of the evolution of the place and its people.

Compact yet evocative

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I wanted to educate myself when visiting Sicily on a whim - I had no idea of it’s cosmopolitan and Rich history. What I picked up in vibes while I travelled through the country was perfectly supplemented by the book. The world has a lot to learn from Sicilia ❤️ thank you for taking the time and energy to collect your thoughts and research for this book it is greatly appreciated ❤️ I will be recommending it to anyone travelling here ❤️

Excellent summary of Sicily

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the narration is difficult to get on with. it seems like it's been recorded in a shoebox and there are times when it seems that there are two overlaid narration tracks Just about bearable as the content is very enjoyable.

very good and informative

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Terrible pronunciation (of Sicilian names and places) asides, this book is a gem. Thoughtful and incredibly observing while entertaining at all times

I wanted this book to be longer!

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Excellent and broad reaching social history of the melting pot of the med spanning from Neolithic times to the current migrant situation in Europe

Excellent social history

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I loved learning about the ancient history of one of my favourite worldwide destinations. The part which I enjoyed the most though was the last chapter and the recent facts about how Sicilians are opening their hearts to those people fleeing conflict and hunger for a better life; thus continuing the legacy of a multi-cultural island

Fascinating History

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