Rating: 
Summary: A good reference text
Review: . . This text was presented to me as a gift. It is a solid reference to the many accomplishments offered humanity by the Italian race and its descendants. Obviously, the author has a good deal of research invested in this work, however, certain points are blurred by his writing style. Overall, this is a satisfactory read that serves as a good basis for more intense study of the Italian people. . .
Rating: 
Summary: The Golden Milestone
Review: Absolutely best book on the subject. The book's 20 chapters cover every subject under the sun, well written and highly enjoyable. My sons and I love the chapter on "Transportation" that tell the history and awards of Italian racecars from Alfa Romeo to Maserati and racing motorcycles like Ducati. This chapter even has a section on the history and unique proprieties of gondolas in Venice and the flying inventions of DaVinci. You need to buy this book and add it to your holiday list.
Rating:
Summary: The Golden Milestone
Review: BIBLE OF ITALIAN HERITAGE. This book offers a very complete record of Italian and Italian-American achievements. I am Italian, born and educated in Rome, and still I find that I am surprised by something in every chapter of this fantastic book. Very well written, the book's Introduction is a beautiful summary of so many accomplishments the world has benefited from. The author also injects some witty commentary that makes this book even more pleasant to read. This book is long overdue - and educates us about the true heritage the world received from Rome and Italy and our Italian "cousins" in America. READ THIS BOOK - it is a "bible of Italian heritage."
Rating:
Summary: A Really Great Book !!
Review: I decided to buy this book after reading the many great editorial reviews, for example, Anthony Parente (author and columnist) calls The Golden Milestone the "bible of Italian culture and heritage." I have to say that he is right !!! But the books offer much more than facts about Italian achievements. Mr. Esposito's writing style borders on creative non-fiction. His introduction is well written, but by the time I got to the end of his first chapter I found humor in his writing style, as well. The book is gently peppered with some humorous points and short personal comments that pleasantly surprise the reader periodically. I can't say enough good things about the book, you have to read it to discover the lost heritage of Italians. Italians and Italian-Americans can re-discover their heritage in Mr. Esposito's book. Read and enjoy !!!!
Rating:
Summary: informative and fun
Review: I really liked reading the different parts of this comprehensive book. By different parts, I literally mean that I read a part here, then a part there, as each sub-section stands on its own as a docu-tribute to the incredible contributions by Italians. This is a great reference book that could serve as the source material for a "Who wants to be a Millionaire" show based on Italian culture and history. I'll be giving it out to many relatives as a Christmas gift this year.
Rating:
Summary: Good reference -- but too preachy for me
Review: If you need a reference to discuss Italian contributions to the world, this is a book filled with good content. However, I was turned off, as early as the introduction, by the tone. The author appears far too eager to prove how much we all rely on the ideas and inventions of Italians, rather than to simply detail the people and accomplishments. To me, the writing is not so much engaging as it is "preachy." I had alrady bought into the premise, before I bought the book, that Italians made, and still make, a multitude of contributions to the world.
Rating:
Summary: A Valuable Reference
Review: One of the most comprehensive works on the contributions of Italians ever written. Spanning over 2500 years from the Roman Empire to modern day scientists, Russ Esposito will make you proud of your Italian Heritage. Contains the best documented section on Meucci and the invention of the telephone I have ever read. Presents so many facts, owners will make references to it constantly. One of the most valuable books in my collection.
Rating: 
Summary: Like the Olive Garden
Review: Reading this book is like going to the Olive Garden. It's vaguely Italian but basically just too much without any great interest or imagination. Lots of Italian-Americans included but without a good chef to pull out the best ingredients or a real menu to present the best and make sense of it all.
Rating:
Summary: Very Interesting and Fun to Browse!
Review: The 3rd edition of The Golden Milestone continues in its tradition of uncovering the most amazing facts about Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. It is a very unique book because it has historical, as well as contemporary information. The book is updated to include events of 2003. For example, Dr. Urbani (Italian) of the World Health Organization was the first to identify SARS in a patient, and sent out the first alarm that it was a new type of illness. There's also lots of fun stuff like the Italian immigrant who founded the 'Radio Flyer Wagon' company, and the oldest bank in the world (in Siena), as well as the oldest medical school (in Bologna). Did you know that the Strawberry Field's mosaic in NYC's Central Park that memorializes John Lennon was a gift from the city of Naples, and that the Lincoln memorial was carved in the Bronx by Italian sculptors! The book also offers a great 'Italy Travel Guide' supplement. The Golden Milestone is a milestone itself, and a must for everyone's library. Way too much stuff in these 549 pages to talk about here.
Rating:
Summary: Astonishing Research - BEST BOOK on Italian heritage
Review: The author should get more than a "five star" review. This book is very complete in terms of its research. It is well written and has some personal commentary that adds further interest. It is light years ahead of anything else in print about Italians. Thank you, finally a great book about great accomplishments!
| 
