Umbria: A Cultural History Book

The opening chapter acts as a general introduction both to modern Umbria - landscape, people and their lives - and to the remainder of the book. The second chapter on Etruscans and Romans takes the reader from the observable realities of contemporary life to the early history of the region but with particular reference to those features of early civilizations which survive as visitable tourist attractions. Chapter 3 links the preceding and following chapters, taking the story of Umbria from the fall of the Roman Empire until the beginning of the 13th century. Chapter 4 deals with the political development of the region's major cities - Perugia, Orvieto, Gubbio, Spoleto and Todi, and their associated architectural development, from Romanesque to Gothic. Chapter 5 concentrates on the life of St Francis of Assisi. The impact of St Francis and the order he founded on the subsequent development of Umbria is traced. Chapter 6 looks at Umbria from 1350/1400 to the mid-17th century, again concentrating on surviving examples of architecture. Chapter 7 gives an account of painting in Umbria (with mention of other fine arts). Chapter 8 takes the history of the region from the mid-17th century to the present day - a story of decline and renewal. Chapter 9 looks at the range of accounts of the region by travellers of different nationalities at different periods. Chapter 10 picks up threads from Chapters 1, 8 and 9, while concentrating on modern Umbrian food and wine, emphasizing regional characteristics within argicultural and economic contexts.Read More