PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- This brilliant book follows Italy's longest river, the Po, from its braided Adriatic delta back to its source in the Alps 650km away. A blend of travel narrative and history, Jones guides the reader through Italian society and culture, as well as the landscapes and nature of the river. The Po is a many-storied river, serving as both a means of transport and a barrier to northern invaders, inspiring poets and harbouring outlaws, supporting industry and socialist communes. It has changed its course over the centuries with devastating floods and now suffers from environmental degradation and run-off - but it's still the heart of Italy. Jones is observant and interested, and these qualities make for an illuminating read. Lindy
A captivating journey along the iconic River Po and through Italian history, society and culture.
Tobias Jones is the author of eight previous books, including The Dark Heart of Italy, A Place of Refuge and the prize-winning Ultra. He is a regular contributor to the British, American and Italian press and has written and presented documentaries for the BBC and, in Italy, for RAI. The co-founder of two woodland charities in the UK, he has recently launched a new project, Common Home, in Parma.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- This brilliant book follows Italy's longest river, the Po, from its braided Adriatic delta back to its source in the Alps 650km away. A blend of travel narrative and history, Jones guides the reader through Italian society and culture, as well as the landscapes and nature of the river. The Po is a many-storied river, serving as both a means of transport and a barrier to northern invaders, inspiring poets and harbouring outlaws, supporting industry and socialist communes. It has changed its course over the centuries with devastating floods and now suffers from environmental degradation and run-off - but it's still the heart of Italy. Jones is observant and interested, and these qualities make for an illuminating read. Lindy
A delightful book that is part history, part travel, part a picture of contemporary Italy... The Po is a wonderful cornucopia of history... Modern history at its most enjoyable * TLS * Travelling its length, Tobias Jones uncovers [the Po's] fascinating history * Guardian * Tobias Jones is the perfect guide to the sweet Po as it runs its course * Spectator * A meditative and evocative account... Like the Po, which has shifted course countless times and is notoriously prone to flooding, the book veers off on enjoyable tangents * Geographical Magazine * PRAISE FOR TOBIAS JONES: 'Subtle, witty, inventive and intelligent... Illuminating and entertaining' Observer. 'Tobias Jones is a sublime writer who has the ability to bring tears to the eyes' Daily Telegraph. 'It is Jones's humanity and gift for characterisation that make his book so captivating... His account rings with universal truths' Financial Times. 'An affectionate, occasionally appalled observer, an inside-outsider. He is uminstakably not a tourist' Independent. 'Jones strikes just the right balance between history, anecdote and facts... A brilliant, though bleak, book' * New Statesman *
