The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples

The Pursuit of Italy examines the history of Italy and its people across centuries. David Gilmour explores whether political unification, aided by Garibaldi, served the nation well, or whether the goal of a unified state was misguided. The book considers multiple historical perspectives to understand both the strengths and weaknesses of modern Italy. Gilmour's account covers Italian life from ancient times through the twentieth century, featuring figures such as Cicero, Virgil, and contemporary politicians. He addresses the Risorgimento, challenging nationalist myths surrounding it while offering a sympathetic portrait of Giuseppe Verdi. The work includes anecdotes and personal observations throughout. A central argument is that Italy's cultural and artistic achievements have historically derived from its regions—Tuscany, Venice, Sicily, Lombardy, Naples, and Genoa—rather than from national unity. Italians traditionally identified by their regional origins rather than as a unified nation. Gilmour contends that Italy's strength and culture continue to stem from its regions rather than from its unified national concept.