The Italian Cookbook Author:Melanie de Proft 160 masterpieces of Italian cookery! — Contrary to popular belief, Italy is the mother of continental European cookery. Dating back to the ancient Romans, Italy's fame in the culinary field came long before that of France. Although French cookery has taken on its own characteristics, it grew, to some degree, directly out of the Italian. — From t... more »he Alps to Sicily, from the rice and polenta-eating North to the tomato-loving south, these recipes are designed to bring a cross-section of Italian cookery right to the door of the American kitchen.« less