It is said that you can learn a lot about a people by the food they eat. And if that's true, the Italians are truly a practical people who respect nature and value simple pleasures. Through our selection of handpicked cookbooks you can experience the culinary pleasures that are part and parcel of the Italian experience. Enjoy pastas, meats, risottos, bruschettas, antipasti and, of course, delightful dolci. Learn the secrets from some of the best known Italian chefs, including Mario Batali, Giuliano Buggiali, Lidia Bastianich, Marcella Hazan, Pino Luongo and Lorenza di Medici. Discover regional and ethnic recipes, including Neopolitan cooking and la cucina ebraica (Jewish cuisine) and feast from some of Italy's finest restaurants, such as Venice's Osteria da Fiore or enotecas from throughout the country. Learn about Italy's specialty foods, such as extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano.

After this culinary tour, you may just not want to leave home . . . or at least your kitchen!