ASTONISHING WORLD

N THE ILLUMINATING PROSE that made Italian Days acom-temporary classic and Barbara Grizzuti Harrison one of our most celebrated writers,this collection of essays spreads before us the rich abun-dance of life as it documents the authou'slove affair with the world. Harrison sorts through the complexities and contradic-tions of our times,bringing to each of her subjects a rare and generou ability to see the extraordinary amidst the mun-dane.She offers an exhilarating assort-ment of people,places,cultures,and-as always-food,as wellas personal ferlections on her own life and heritage.
The most perceptive of travelers,Harrison takes us from Bensonhurst to Budapest to Morocco,from the hills of Tuscany to the walled city of Dubrovnik.We meet Nadia Comaneci,visit Gore Vidal in his Roman apartment,spend a day with Governor Mario Cuomo,and go on set with Francis Ford Coppola.In Yugoslavia Harrison explores purported sightings of the Virgin Mary,and in a small town in Vermont she witnesses the horrifying effects of arelinious cult on children.Under her captivating gaze the world takes on new color,and her refreshing vision reminds us how aston-ishing our world really is.
This collection of some of her finest writing will be a treat for Barbara Griz-zuti Harrison'smany fans and awonder-er,these essays constitute a luminous reflection of our world and a personal testament by one of our most beloved writers.

BARBARA GRIZZUTI HARRISON,who has contributed to the most respected publications in the country,has been a recipient of the American Book Award as well as awards for her journalisn and an O.Henry Prize for short fiction.She is the author of The Islands of