Milan Since the Miracle: City, Culture and Identity

By John Foot

Book Overview

This book is the first comprehensive post-war history of one of Europe's most vibrant cities throughout an extraordinary period of social, cultural and economic change. The capital of Italy's economic miracle of the 1950s and 60s, Milan was a magnet for immigrants, as industry, design and culture created a heady mix of wealth, innovation and conflict. By the 1980s, heavy industry had all but disappeared and the city had reinvented itself as the world capital of fashion and a dynamic post-industrial metropolis. Meanwhile, the urban landscape was darkened by the bleak estates of the peripheries and the corruption scandals that exploded in what became known as 'Tangentopoli', or Bribesville. This fascinating book traces Milan's 'biography' through its buildings, design, fashion, cinema, families, immigrants and television. The city emerges as a potent economic power-house and laboratory for change, where art and culture converge in a modern but problematic urban space. Anyone interested in Italian history, urban studies or the future of Europe's cities will find this book an essential read.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1859735509
• ISBN13: 9781859735503
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Berg 3pl
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent intro or update to Milan's complex recent history

There's little to add to the enthusiastic reviews above. Over the course of three visits to Milan, I have been happy to discover hidden layers to this multi-textured city, a city which does not lay itself bare to a first gaze. Dr Foot's highy readable book brings to our consideration the myriad social, cultural and economic aspects (the unique or emblematic problems and successes) of the recent history of this great city. The book certainly enriches our knowledge and gives us several insightful views of the Milan we thought we already knew as being the rich and complex capital of St Ambrose, the Viscontis, and the Sforzas, not to mention the industrious workshop of Leonardo, Bramante and many other artists and intellectuals and today's fashion and design legends. I am increasingly intrigued by the unique Italian experience of urban history and city building. More than the rest of lovely Italy perhaps, Milan has been historically highly attractive to successive waves of invaders and now of immigrants. Simply at that level, it has a unique history to tell. Dr Foot has unravelled some of the most recent layers -- and I might add that this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in cities.