Ten Great Books set around Food in Italy. From the sun-drenched coastlines to the mountainous regions, each region of Italy boasts its own culinary treasures. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the heart of Italian cooking. Pasta, in countless shapes and sauces, is a national obsession, but the cuisine extends far beyond this staple.

Pizza, born in Naples, is a global icon. Risotto, creamy and rich, is a northern Italian specialty. Seafood dominates coastal menus, while hearty stews and polenta warm souls in colder climes. Here are ten of our favourite books set around food in Italy.