July 31, 2020

New Music — La Ville Joyeuse: The City Of Naples In French Piano Music

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

La Ville Joyeuse: The City Of Naples In French Piano Music performed by Daniele Adornetto

Label: Da Vinci Classics
Release Date: July 10, 2020
Audio CD: $NA
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

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July 30, 2020

Meridiunalata XX: 'Ncuorp’’o Caudo D’’A Notte' di Cav. Charles Sant'Elia | 'Inside The Warmth of the Night' by Cav. Charles Sant'Elia

Reprinted from Cav. Charles Sant'Elia's Meridiunalata / Southernade, an evocative bilingual (Neapolitan / English) collection of poetry written between 1989 and 2010. *

Ncuorp’’o Caudo D’’A Notte

Ncuorp’’o caudo d’’a notte
Se ne traseva ‘o friddo
‘E sta luna nova.
Niente s’è smuóppeto.
‘O graro de l’autare
Nce aspettava,
Nu puojo sulagno
Mmiez’’e parole
Ca sagliéveno a cefrone
Addò ghiéveno jéveno.
Ammarrávemo ‘e feneste
Int’’o sbacante,
Ogne lagnanza d’ammore
Scordata e passata
Se steva zitta.
Era ‘o tiempo d’’e canzone nove,
‘O dimane c’’a’ fine
Era venuta mbracci’a nuje.

Inside The Warmth of the Night

Inside the warmth of the night
The cold of this new moon
Was entering.
Nothing moved.
The step of the altar
Was awaiting us,
A solitary ledge
Between the words
That were rising up like chevrons
Wherever they went.
We shuttered the windows
In the void,
Every complaint of love
Forgotten and passed
It was quiet.
It was the time of new songs,
The tomorrow that in the end
Had come into our arms.

* Self-published in 2010, Meridiunalata/Southernade is a treasury of poems gleaned from Cav. Sant'Elia's previous collections (Nchiuso dint''o presente, 'A cuntrora, and 'O pino e l'éllera), which were circulated among friends in New York City and Naples. Special thanks to Cav. Sant'Elia for allowing us to reprint his poetry and translations.

July 28, 2020

Celebrating the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost and the Feast of St. Anne

Sant'Anna, ora pro nobis
Remember, Saint Anne, never was it said that anyone who sought your assistance was left unaided. For you are indeed a most merciful mother, who tends to all our needs. Since you are the mother of the Queen of Heaven and our Savior’s grandmother, I implore you to obtain from Jesus, through your Immaculate Daughter, the favors I stand in need of. Amen.  ~ Memorare to St. Anne
Sunday morning members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) gathered at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in Manhattan for both the 9:00 am Tridentine Low Mass and the 10:30 am Tridentine High Mass for the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost and the Feast of St. Anne. Our Pastor Fr. James Miara was the Celebrant at both.

Following imposed social distancing guidelines, we were able to get our regular seats on St. Joseph's side of the altar (i.e. the right side) for the early Mass, but as more people arrived for the second one we moved up to the balcony to make room for the elderly, handicapped, and families with children. To be clear (since someone inquired), whenever we attend multiple Masses in a day we never receive Communion twice. Personally, I prefer to receive during the Low Mass because I don't want to wait, the lines are shorter and, you never know, I may not make it to the second Mass.

Speaking of Communion, during the Low Mass we had the great joy of witnessing a young girl make her First Holy Communion. Seven or eight years-old, holding a lit candle and dressed in white with a veil, she kneeled at the altar rail and received on the tongue. Congratulations to her and her family, we wish and pray you continue to grow in the grace of God.

After the High Mass the congregation finished the novena devotions with the Memorare to St. Anne, An Act of Consecration to St. Anne, and Invocations. This was followed by a solemn Candlelight Procession around the nave with a statue, ombrellino and the Blessed Sacrament. The celebration concluded with a Benediction with the relic of the True Cross.

Normally we would meet up with our friends at the Monte San Giacomo Society and attend the Feast of St. Ann in Hoboken, New Jersey, but since the procession and other festivities were cancelled, thanks to Covid-19's uncanny ability to target only peaceful gatherings, we had a low-key luncheon with family and friends instead.

Evviva Sant’Anna!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, July 27th, Feast of San Pantaleone Martire

July 27, 2020

Photo of the Week: The Cappella di San Pantaleone, Duomo di Ravello

The Cappella di San Pantaleone, Duomo di Ravello, Salerno
Photo by New York Scugnizzo

July 25, 2020

Congratulations Crotone! I Squali Returns to Serie A

F.C. Crotone secured promotion to Serie A yesterday with a 5-1 victory over A.S. Livorno Calcio. I Squali, or the Sharks, as they are affectionally known, will join Napoli and Benevento next season in Italy's top-flight football league as representatives of the South. We wish them all the best and much success. Forza Crotone!

July 24, 2020

Celebrating the Feasts of the Bl. Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara & Bl. María Mercè of the Sacred Heart

Monastery of the Precious Blood, Borough Park, Brooklyn
24 July, feast of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara, gunned down by Republicans on this day in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. Holy, humble women killed for their love of Christ & his Church. In the difficulties we face today, may we emulate their fidelity & heroism ~ Fr. John S. Hogan, ocds (Twitter)
July 24th is the feast of Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart, Virgin: Catalan orphan, Teresian nun, school-teacher, and martyr of the Spanish Civil War—murdered by the Reds at Barcelona on this day in 1936. ~ Tradical (Twitter)
Earlier today, in celebration of the Feasts of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara, Spain and Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart, I repeated the penitential pilgrimage I made last week in memory of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne. Beginning and ending at the Monastery of the Precious Blood (5400 Fort Hamilton Pkwy.) in Borough Park, Brooklyn, I took the same route to Visitation Monastery (8902 Ridge Blvd.) in Bay Ridge, returning with brief stops at St. Anselm RC Church (356 82nd St.), St. Ephrem RC Church (929 Bay Ridge Pkwy.) and Leif Ericson Park. Neither the rain or heat kept me from completing the walk.
I recently learned the famed Norse explorer was a Roman Catholic
Praying fifteen decades of the Holy Rosary and my private devotions (e.g. the novena to St. Ann), I included a couple of prayers to the Blessed Martyrs I found online.
Blessed Maria Mercedes
Prayer to Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart (1) 
God of infinite goodness, You gave Blessed Maria Mercedes, virgin, the courage to bring to fullness in martyrdom her offering to You and to the Church. Grant us, through her intercession, the grace to be so firmly rooted in the love of Christ that nothing can ever separate us from this love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen
The Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara, Spain
Blessed Maria Pilar, Teresa of the Child Jesus, and Maria Angeles
Prayer for the Canonization the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara (2) 
O most loving Jesus who accepted the offer that your faithful Servants Blessed Maria Pilar, Teresa and María Ángeles made of their lives, realizing the ardent desires they had to shed their blood for the triumph of your universal Reign! For the glory they gave you proclaiming your royalty and forgiving their enemies, make all hearts submit to the sweet empire of your love and that the gifts of reconciliation and peace always shine among men and in peoples. 
Grant us the canonization of the Blessed and their ardor in the fulfillment of your Holy Will and help us with the special graces that we now ask of you through their intercession. Amen.
Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary
outside St. Ephrem RC Church
Thus far America has not regressed to the shameful anti-Catholicism of its recent past, let alone emulate the violence and depravity of the French Revolution or Spanish Civil War, but with the changing mood (i.e the dumbing down) of the populace and the disturbing “uptick” in anti-Catholic incidents taking place around the country, I can’t help but think we Traditional Catholics are fast approaching days of outright religious persecution. The less than admirable response to these incidents from the clergy and the appalling apathy of the laity in general, not to mention the open hostility from corrupt politicians and the Fourth Estate, has only added to my apprehension. If and when that day arrives, I pray, through their intercession, I can face the challenge with the same fidelity and heroism as these holy women.
Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara, ora pro nobis.
Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart, ora pro nobis.
~ Giovanni di Napoli, July 24, Feasts of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara and Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart 

Addendum: I later learned that July 24th is also the Feast of Blessed Xavier Piferer Bordas, a Salesian priest murdered during the Spanish Civil War. Blessed Xavier Bordas, ora pro nobis.
Notes:
(1) Source for the Prayer to Blessed María Mercè of the Sacred Heart: www.ocarm.org
(2) Source for the Prayer to the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara: www.martiresdeguadalajara.net

Meridiunalata XIX: 'Nun se po’ ‘sta luntano' di Pino Rispo | 'One Can't Stay Far Away' by Pino Rispo

The Glorious Bay of Naples, photo by New York Scugnizzo
In this installment Meridiunalata, a bilingual offering of Duosiciliano poetry, we're featuring the Neapolitan poetry of Pino Rispo D.R.

Nun se po’ ‘sta luntano
Di Pino Rispo

Aggia campá luntano
Ma nun ce ‘a faccio
Aggia sunná a te ‘o saccio
Ogne notte sí sempe chella
Tutt’’e notte sí unica e sempe bella
Quanta storie ‘ncuolle a te
‘A gente parlano male senza sapé

Sé sbagliava Francesco....
Ce sò rimaste ll’uocchie p’’e chiagnere...
Ma quanti ‘nfame
Ca fanno fint’’e niente
Ma quanne staje luntane...
Vulisse vulá ‘miez’’o viento
Quanne staje fora capisci..
Che tte manca…
Tanno ddato ‘nata storia
Pò he saputo chella vera
E liegge liegge e maje te stanca…

Pò tien’’a chille ca sò fedele
E te vonno ‘nu mar’’e bbene
Invece po’ chille ca venenen’’a fora
Pa’ priezza vulessene tuccá
‘Stu cielo cu’’e mmane....
Cara Napule...
Stá arrivann’’o ghiuorno
Tutte ‘nzieme avimme accunciá
Chesta storia
P’’e chest’’antica patria
Turnará ‘a gloria!!

One Can't Stay Far Away
By Pino Rispo

I have to live far away
But I can’t manage it
I have to dream of you I know
Every night you’re the one
Every night you’re unique and always beautiful
How many stories heaped on you
People speak ill without knowing

[King] Francis was wrong....
You’re eyes are left to cry...
But how many infamous people
Pretend nothing is wrong
But when you’re far away...
You’d like to fly through the air
When you’re abroad you understand...
What you miss…
They gave you another history

Then you learned the real one
And you read and read and never get tired...
Then you’ll have those who are faithful
And who wish you a sea of love
While those who come from abroad
For joy they’d like to touch
This sky with their hands....
Dear Naples...
The day is coming
All together we have to set this history
Right
For this ancient homeland
Glory shall return!!

Translated by Cav. Sant'Elia

* King Francis II of the Two Sicilies, upon going into exile in 1860 to end further bloodshed, famously observed the violence and ransacking against civilians that ensued, and said that the cruel new rulers who occupied his kingdom by force “will not even leave you your eyes to cry with”.

July 21, 2020

Celebrating the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost and Solemn Novena to Good St. Anne in New York City

Sant'Anna, ora pro nobis
St. Anne, instrument of the Holy Ghost, mother of confidence, vessel of sanctity, merciful mother, comfortress of afflicted, help of the poor, protectress of virgins, support of the oppressed, refuge of thy clients, Pray for us!
For nine consecutive nights (July 18th-26th) the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) in New York City will celebrate Traditional Latin Mass, Novena prayers and candlelight procession in honor of Good St. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Grandmother of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Feast of St. Anne will be celebrated on Sunday, July 26th at 10:30AM with a Traditional Latin High Mass and candlelight procession. Reserve a seat at Holy Innocents Mass Reservation.

Photos from Sunday’s candlelight procession courtesy of Andrew Giordano.

(Above & below) The candlelight procession circles the nave three times
Vigil candles were available for purchase

July 19, 2020

A Prayer for Nantes

St. Rogatien, courtesy of the Cathédrale
Sainte-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of France following the July 18th arson attack on historic Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral in Nantes. It seems the vile spirit of Jean-Baptiste Carrier lives, as attacks against the Eldest Daughter of the Church continue unabated. May Saints Peter and Paul, and the Holy Martyrs Donatien and Rogatien watch over you.

Prayer to Sts. Peter and Paul for the Holy Catholic Church

Defend, O Lord, thy servants, we beseech thee, from all dangers both of body and soul; and, by the intercession of the blessed and glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, of the blessed Martyrs Donatien and Rogatien, and of all thy saints, mercifully grant us the blessings of peace and safety; that all adversities and errors being removed, thy Church may freely and securely serve thee; through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Celebrating the Feast of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne in Brooklyn, New York

Monastery of the Precious Blood, Borough Park, Brooklyn
Simple women living a hidden life of prayer & sacrifice were correctly understood by the Revolutionaries to be the greatest threat. When you make God your enemy, servants of prayer are dangerous, they can achieve a counterrevolution through oblation. Remember that, friends: pray! ~ Fr. John S. Hogan, ocds
Inspired by a tweet by Fr. John S. Hogan, I made a round trip pilgrimage Friday afternoon in honor of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne, sixteen nuns executed on July 17, 1794 during the Reign of Terror in France. Starting from the Monastery of the Precious Blood (5400 Fort Hamilton Pkwy.) in Borough Park, Brooklyn, I made my way to Visitation Monastery (8902 Ridge Blvd.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, then back again. It was approximately five miles long.
Armed with scapular and Rosary, I chose to start and end the pilgrimage at Precious Blood Monastery because the month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. Additionally, it is also home to the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood and the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, a contemplative community under the patronage of St. Edith Stein (1891-1942), a discalced Carmelite nun and Martyr.
Seeing as it was the second day of the Novena, I thought it would be appropriate to begin the pilgrimage with a prayer to San Giacomo.
St. James, We come to you in eager pilgrimage. We come as part of a great throng of pilgrims who through the centuries have come to this place, where you are pilgrim and host, apostle and patron. We come to you today because we are on a common journey. Place yourself, patron of pilgrims, at the head of our pilgrimage. Teach us, apostle and friend of the Lord, the Way which leads to him. Open us, preacher of the Gospel, to the Truth you learned from your Master’s lips. Give us, witness of the faith, the strength always to love the Life Christ gives. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
McKinley Park, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Briefly stopping for shade and prayer at McKinley Park, St. Ephrem RC Church (929 Bay Ridge Pkwy.), and St. Anselm RC Church (356 82nd St.), the plan was to pray the traditional fifteen decades of the Holy Rosary, a few private devotions (e.g. novena to the Infant of Prague), and special intentions for our brethren under siege in St. Louis, California, and elsewhere. Having made good time, I decided to extend the penitential excursion an additional half-mile to include nearby St. Patrick RC Church (9511 4th Ave.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Crucifix outside St. Anselm RC Church, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Unfortunately, due to the spontaneity of the walk, none of my confratelli were able to join me. Though interested, they understandably wished I gave them a little more notice. Depending on what happens in the coming months with the pandemic and the inane politics surrounding it, they just may get their wish because I plan on doing a second pilgrimage on Wednesday, November 18th for the Feast of the Seven Martyrs of Madrid who were executed by anarchists in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. This time however, I will reverse the route, beginning and ending at Visitation Monastery, because the martyrs were members of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary and an image of the seven nuns is on display inside the church.
Visitation Monastery, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
A time of upheaval and confusion, the recent spate of anti-Catholic attacks around the country has inspired me to step-up my daily prayer routine and do more. While we cannot sit idly bye and tolerate the desecration of sacred images, church arson, and the increasing violent assaults against catholics, we must be mindful not to stoop to the level of the enemy. Reminiscent of Joseph de Maistre’s (1753-1821) often quoted maxim, “What is needed is not a revolution in the opposite direction, but the opposite of a revolution,” Fr. Hogan has wisely pointed out, the enemy fears and hates us, and the best way to achieve counterrevolution is through oblation. 
~ Giovanni di Napoli, July 18, Feast of St. Camillus de Lellis

Image of the Seven Martyrs of Madrid inside Visitation Monastery
Our Lady of Lourdes shrine outside St. Patrick Church

Photo of the Week: Votive Wall Shrine to Our Lady Help of Christians in Piazza Bellini, Naples

Photo by Andrew Giordano

July 14, 2020

Celebrating the Feast of St. Veronica and the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Marco, Andrew, John, Mary and Carmella with the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Photos by Caterina Nessùno
After nearly four months of Church lockdowns, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) finally resumed group worship again by celebrating the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost and the Feast of Saint Veronica at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W 37th St.) in Midtown Manhattan. Attending both the 9:00 am Tridentine Low Mass and the 10:30 am Tridentine High Mass, we observed social distancing rules and sat in the balcony, leaving the diminished seating in the nave for the elderly, handicapped and families with children. Our Pastor Fr. James Miara was the celebrant at both Masses and offered the first for the parishioners and the second for the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory registered in the Holy Innocents’ Purgatorial Society.

Still unable to congregate in the church hall, after Mass we caught up with some old friends outside and discussed a myriad of topics, both happy and sad. It was only a reunion of sorts, since most of us have remained in close contact with video conferencing and the telephone. Naturally, with limited places for traditional minded people to go and worship, it was only a matter of time before we met other legitimists, in this case Carlists, and proudly flew the glorious Saltire of Burgundy.

Tito, Andrew and Daniel with the Cross of Burgundy
Parting ways, a few Sanfedisti returned to Gravesend, Brooklyn for our customary Sunday luncheon at Joe’s of Avenue U (287 Ave. U). For those who don’t know, Joe’s is one of few remaining old-school Sicilian trattorias left in Brooklyn specializing in traditional Palermo-style cuisine. Except for the outdoor dinning, we’re happy to say nothing has really changed since the Wuhan pandemic shut down the city back in March. As always, the food was delicious and the service was great; so please go and support them, you won’t be disappointed.

Engrossed in our meal, lively conversation, and the disappointing Napoli game against Milan, which finished in 2-2 draw, we nearly missed our new friend Marco who was sporting Ernie Rossi’s popular Due Sicilie coat-of-arms T-shirt. Finishing a meal with his family only a few tables away from us, we introduced ourselves and ended up having a nice conversation with them about Sicilian history, the old neighborhood and, unavoidably, the current state of the country. Marco’s mother, Carmella, gave me a much needed lesson in the Sicilian language and some good advice on how to learn it: find a good Sicilian woman.

An overall great day, I look forward to continuing our group activities (spiritual warfare, charity, etc.) and celebrating our faith and culture together. We need this now more than ever, especially after the spate of violent anti-Catholic attacks occurring around the country.

God bless you all and stay safe during these difficult times. Evviva Santa Trofimena!

~ Giovanni di Napoli, July 13th, Feast of Santa Trofimena di Minori
Bucatini con cavolfiore alla palermitana
Salsiccia e patate
Vitello alla Milanese

Photo of the Week: Monument to Santa Trofimena, Virgin and Martyr, in Minori, Salerno

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

July 11, 2020

New Music — Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas 6

Forthcoming music that may be of interest to our readers.

Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas 6 performed by Carlo Grante

Label: Music & Arts Program
Release Date: July 17, 2020
Box Set: $74.99
Number of Discs: 7

Available at Amazon.com

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July 10, 2020

Prayer for The United States of America Composed by His Excellency Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò

His Excellency Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò
Almighty and Eternal God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords: graciously turn your gaze to us who invoke You with confidence.

Bless us, citizens of the United States of America; grant peace and prosperity to our Nation; illuminate those who govern us so that they may commit themselves to the common good, in respect for Your holy Law.

Protect those who, defending the inviolable principles of the Natural Law and Your Commandments, must face the repeated assaults of the Enemy of the human race.

Keep in the hearts of Your children courage for the truth, love for virtue and perseverance in the midst of trials.

Make our families grow in the example that Our Lord has given us, together with His Most Holy Mother and Saint Joseph in the home of Nazareth; give to our fathers and mothers the gift of Strength, to educate wisely the children with which you have blessed them.

Give courage to those who, in spiritual combat, fight the good fight as soldiers of Christ against the furious forces of the children of darkness.

Keep each one of us, O Lord, in your Most Sacred Heart, and above all He whom Your Providence has placed at the head of our Nation.

Bless the President of the United States of America, so that aware of his responsibility and his duties, he may be a knight of justice, a defender of the oppressed, a firm bulwark against Your enemies, and a proud supporter of the children of light.

Place the United States of America and the whole world under the mantle of the Queen of Victories, our Unconquered Leader in battle, the Immaculate Conception. It is thanks to her, and through your Mercy, that the hymn of praise rises to you, O Lord, from the children whom you have redeemed in the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.


Source: https://taylormarshall.com/vigano

July 9, 2020

New Music — Scarlatti: Sonatas / Variaciones del Fandango Espanol

Forthcoming music that may be of interest to our readers.

Scarlatti: Sonatas / Variaciones del fandango espanol performed by Andreas Staier

Label: Erato
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Audio CD: $9.98
Number of Discs: 2

Available at Amazon.com

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July 8, 2020

Help Support "Mass of the Ages — How Tradition Will Restore the Church" on Kickstarter

A stunning documentary on the Latin Mass. Investigates the connection between worship and belief with real stories and expert interviews.

Support on Kickstarter

July 7, 2020

New Kindle: The History of Ancient Calabria, In Strabo’s Geographica

New title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon.com

The History of Ancient Calabria, In Strabo’s Geographica by Michael Caputo

Publisher: Ascent Educational
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Publication Date: May 20, 2020
Kindle: $0.99
Language: English
File size: 2093 KB

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July 4, 2020

New Music — Scarlatti: Stabat Mater - Campra: Messe des Morts (Requiem)

Forthcoming music that may be of interest to our readers.

Scarlatti: Stabat Mater - Campra: Messe des morts (Requiem) performed by English Baroque Soloists / Gardiner, John Eliot

Label: Erato
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Audio CD: $9.98
Number of Discs: 2

Available at Amazon.com

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July 3, 2020

New Book — Terra Incognita: The Rediscovery of an Italian People with No Name

New title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon.com

Terra Incognita: The Rediscovery of an Italian People with No Name by Massimo Ossanna

Publisher: L’Erma Di Bretschneider
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Paperback: $170.00
Language: English
Pages: 226

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