Nowhere is food as much a part of everyday life as Italy — a country whose unique topography has resulted in distinct regional differences that are vibrantly alive and passionately celebrated. Following the success of Two Greedy Italians, Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo embark on a journey to explore Italy's distinct and varied terrains, and to find out how these have shaped the produce and, in turn, the peoples and their traditions. From snow-peaked mountains to lush plains, our two greedy Italians go in search of their homeland's varied culinary styles. They venture into the Alps for comfort food — those heart-warming dishes based around the use of butter, potatoes, polenta and rice. They head to the sea to uncover the many delicious fish and shellfish dishes emanating from this magnificent peninsula with its 1500 miles of coastline, as well as the distinctive cuisine of the Italian islands. Finally, they examine the rich agricultural plains through which flow some of the greatest rivers in Europe — in particular the Po in the north and the Tiber in the centre — revealing their historic influence on the foods grown and cooked within these regions. Containing over 80 mouth-watering recipes and breathtaking photography, Two Greedy Italians Eat Italy showcases the wisdom and passion of these two men for their native land, its people and produce. It is an essential book for anyone with an interest in this extraordinary country and its food.

Over 30 years ago Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo separately left their native Italy for Britain where, in time, they met, worked together and established themselves as leading authorities on Italian cooking. In this compelling book — written to accompany the primetime BBC series — the two old friends have embarked upon an amazing journey back to their homeland to reconnect with their culinary heritage, explore past and current traditions and reveal the very soul of Italian gastronomy. Containing over 100 mouthwatering recipes, this extraordinary book goes beyond the cliches to reveal real Italian food, as cooked by real Italians. It includes an intriguing combination of classic dishes and ingredients as well as others showcasing the changes in style and influences that have become a part of the Italy of today. Reflecting the insights of both men into Italy then and now, Carluccio and Contaldo's return captures the essence of its authors — their humour, their wisdom, their curiosity and, most significantly, their shared passion for good simple food. It is an essential book for anyone with a genuine interest in Italian food.