"THE GOLDEN MILESTONE -
Over 2500 Years of Italian Contributions to Civilization"
Editorial Reviews, Book Description and Customer Reviews
Editorial Reviews
Emily T. Gear, Curator/Director,
Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, NYC (operated by Order of the Sons of Italy)
"Passionate" is not a word often used to describe reference literature, however, in Russell Esposito's exhaustively compiled anthology of the brilliance of Italian civilization, rare achievements deserve extraordinary documentation. In The Golden Milestone, Esposito's comprehensive understanding and pride for the nation that mothered his grandmothers, and
indeed civilization itself, radiates throughout this concise, yet detailed volume; it is only moments before readers become hopelessly engrossed in the histories that spun the web of fame and ingenuity for an entire nation and its diaspora. Speaking from the perspective of a non-Italian, one begins to believe there is no other mindspring than Italy, no other vertex of the
complicated society we know today. Best read cover-to-cover, The Golden Milestone, is absolutely essential to appreciating the depth and scope of Italian contributions to civilization; it is a resource of rare historical and contemporary relevance.
Gregory Mario Jacovini, Publisher, The Italian Newspaper
"The Golden Milestone is a monumental achievement for all Italian Americans. Russell Esposito documents the enormous impact Italians have had on this world in an easy to read, easy to search format. Nothing else comes close to this."
Prof. Nicla A. Gargano, McMaster University, Humanities Faculty
" 'The Golden Milestone: Over 2500 Years of Italian Contributions to Civilization' is no doubt a well-researched, and comprehensive, refreshing anthology that offers an inestimable wealth of information on Italy as the cradle of civilization and on its contributions to humanity. Presented in a straightforward and concise format, yet nonetheless colored by the skillful brush stroke of detail, this collection is divided into twenty, thematically-organised, encyclopedic chapters, with subsequent sub-thematical and alphabetical rubrics. The chapters include Art & Architecture, Astronomy, Culinary Contributions, Culture, Conventions and Traditions, Economics, Finance and Accounting, Exploration, Fashion, Language and Literature, Medicine and Health, Music, Science and Technology, World Peace and many others. This volume even offers a section, and numerous references on Italo-American culture and on Italian influences in the United States. For personal perusal, or as a reference guide, this invaluable tool is a must for any enthusiast, student, or scholar of Italian studies, culture, and civilization."
Dr. John Fiore, MD
President, Italian Cultural Institute of the New York Capital District
"Esposito's The Golden Milestone is a must for anyone with an interest in the contributions Italians and Italian-Americans have made to the civilized world. Carefully researched and documented, the reader leaves with an understanding of the awesome place the Italic people have had on our history. Esposito’s ability to blend the facts with humor makes reading it a pleasurable experience. We especially liked his presentation of the many contributions Italians and Italian-Americans have made to the world of Science from Galileo to Fermi. We give it our highest recommendation."
Antonio Bandini
Consulate General of Italy, NY, NY
"Italians…if they read this book, as they should, I am confident they would be more proud of their achievements
and heritage.”
C.J. Lepore, Publisher of Amici magazine
"A milestone achievement...no other book on Italian heritage offers readers more....an indispensable resource. Esposito's ability to blend facts with humor and personal anecdotes makes this book educational and a delight to read. Whereas a typical book of the “Italian heritage” genre might note a fact about Columbus and move on quickly, the author of “The Golden Milestone” provides paragraph upon paragraph of history and, in not a few instances, several pages on a topic. A reader can’t help but come away with more than a superficial fact; instead, there’s an acquisition of knowledge that is educative and provides a platform for possible insights that mere dates, names and places are unlikely to suggest. The book, a great addition to anyone’s library."
Paul Rosetti, Editor, Italian Tribune
"With 'The Golden Milestone', Russell R. Esposito and The New York Public Learning Library offer a comprehensive history of the tremendous influence the Italian culture has had upon our civilization. This book is a must-read not only for members of the Italian American community, but for Italo-philes the world over."
Anthony Parente, About.com
"The Golden Milestone: Over 2500 Years of Italian Contributions to Civilization, by Russell Esposito is an excellent reference book on Italian heritage. The book is divided into 20 chapters that cover such topics as art, astronomy, exploration, fashion, medicine and world peace. Each chapter is well researched and contains only substantiated facts on the contributions made by Italians. You might be surprised to learn that many of the things we use today were developed by Italians. Were you aware that the parachute, telephone, ice cream cone, pretzel and even the condom where all invented by Italians. This is just the tip of the iceberg and just a few of the facts that are covered in this book. What better way to learn more about our heritage and help dispel the negative stereotypes that plague Italians. I commend the author for his dedication, hard work and commitment to putting together such a comprehensive book that just may be considered the Bible of Italian culture and heritage."
Bob Masullo, KYDS 91.5 FM
"Esposito's The Golden Milestone is an ambitious book. It contains virtually every Italian fact that came to the author's attention over nearly two decades and really is a treasure trove. From Filippo Mazzei's influence on Thomas Jefferson's writing of the Declaration of Independence to Enzo Ferrari's winning of the Dag Hammerskjold peace prize, it covers an amazing sweep of Italic heritage and history."
Book Description
This highly acclaimed and comprehensive book
offers readers over 2,500 years of Italian and Italian-American
accomplishments. The book’s 22 chapters cover every subject: art,
architecture, music, fashion, science, law, culinary arts, economics,
medicine, automobiles, the entertainment industry, sports, and much more.
The author's ability to blend facts with some humor and personal anecdotes
makes this book a joy to read. The book covers the wonders of ancient Rome,
Renaissance Italy, as well as modern contributions and Nobel Prize winners.
The book is illustrated and contains an astonishing collection of inventions
and accomplishments. For example, Italians invented the piano, violin,
opera, ballet, battery, telescope, radio, and telephone in NYC years
before Alexander Bell. Discover how Enrico Fermi ushered in the atomic age,
and how Italian sculptors carved the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C.
Explore the chapter on Literature to uncover the origins of many famous
fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.). In the chapter on
American Government, the author quotes John F. Kennedy who wrote in his
book, "A Nation of Immigrants" that the great American principle, all men
are created equal, originated with an Italian physician, Philip Maezzi,
who was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson. Also, learn how physicist
Federico Faggin of Italy developed the world’s first computer
microprocessor while working for Intel. Discover the lives of many other
distinguished personalities: NYC Mayors, the President of the European
Union, and the Director of the European Space Agency. The Golden
Milestone has thousands of notable entries and fascinating facts.
Critics agree. It is a must for anyone's library.
This book also includes a unique 'Italy Travel Guide' supplement that
combines history and attractions for over twenty cities and locations in
Italy. A great gift idea for any occasion !
Published by The New York Learning Library. This book combines two decades of careful research with a dash of humor and personal commentary that makes it both fascinating and a delight to read. It is the most comprehensive anthology on the subject and is a must for anyone who is of Italian heritage or is taking Italian Studies. But the book's comprehensive treatment of history and events renders it universally appealing since the author provides a context of other contributing cultures and peoples.
Customer Reviews ( Samples from Amazon.com )
Long Overdue!, January 7, 2006
Superbly researched, detailed, and precise. In
22 chapters the author proves his points. He sometimes got overly preachy,
but with all the negative stereotyping of Italian-Americans by many in
Hollywood and the media I can sympathize. It is one of the most organized
books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. From the Roman Republic to the
present, Italian contributions to Civilization are described. It also
contains a unique travel supplement and some funny personal stories. Anyone
who is a history buff should read it, every possible field is covered.
A Valuable Reference, June 29, 2002
Lewis M. Elia from Niskayuna, NY USA
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.
A joy to browse!, June 23, 2002
Joe Vitale from Wimberley, TX USA
This book is a sheer delight to read, browse, and talk about. I love it. I learned things I didn't know and am beginning to feel proud of my Italian heritage. I suspect the author thinks *everything* came from an Italian, but that just makes this book passionate. I say get it. Share it with people. A real find.[...]
Excellent Book -well researched and well written!!, November 21, 2000
Susan Abertus from Chicago, Illinois
This book is positively the best book you can read on Italian heritage and the cultural legacy that the Italians and Romans have given to the world. This is a very complete book. Entries are alphabetically arranged and well organized into 20 chapters on specific subjects. The author keeps you interested by the enormous volume of engaging entries, as well as, the light hearted humor he injects in certain areas of the book. An excellent book in every way, well written, and well organized.
The Golden Milestone, September 30, 2000
Robert Gallagher from Queens, NY United States.
The Golden Milestone is a complete reference of Roman and Italian accomplishemnts and is highly enjoyable to read since it is written with some personal and humorous stories. Highly recommended, it contains many interesting stories about everyday customs, words and inventions. My wife is Italian and she loved the Customs & Tradtions and the Fashion chapters. This book is a great value it contains everything from science to sports. There are some really amazing stories about the lives of some famous inventors, artist and scientists - order this book now!
About the Author
Russ Esposito was born and raised in NYC. His father was born in Manhattan but was raised in Sorrento, Italy, and returned to NYC when he was 17 years old. His mother was the daughter of immigrants from Calabria and Sicily. Russ graduated from the City College of New York and obtained an advanced degree from New York University. He has been an instructor at the State University of New York and a Visiting Professor at Touro College. Mr. Esposito is an active lecturer and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Museum of Italian Culture, NYS Board of Regents.
