As An Italian Sees It

Written by Italian scholar Raffaello Piccoli, As An Italian Sees It is a bracing, outsider's meditation on the American character at the dawn of the modern age. With luminous prose and a philosopher's rigor, Piccoli traces the nation's Puritan roots and Cavalier countercurrent, the rise of industrial mythology and the "captain of industry," the tensions between Americanism and radical protest, and the uneasy place of religion, universities, and the arts. He celebrates the country's generosity, service ethos, and Whitman's democratic music, while challenging listeners to join ideals to realities and to value intellect alongside action. Eleesha Lewis's clear, engaging narration brings Piccoli's sweeping cultural analysis to life, making complex ideas vivid and accessible. Perfect for listeners of American history, social thought, and literary essays, this is a timely, stimulating portrait of a people still defining themselves—and a call to wed the light of intellect with the fullness of love.