"This volume traces the history of Naples in the "tragic centuries" between the collapse of the Parthenopean Republic and the restoration of the Bourbons to the end of the twentieth century.

It follows the story of Naples as it begins its slow recovery from the depredations of Unification and Fascism; the destruction of World War II; and the crime, urban corruption and environmental degradation of Italy's post-war economic "miracle." The book concludes with texts documenting recent reforms and new economic and social directions that may point to a sustained renewal of Neapolitan life.".

"The author presents 229 documents within the context of a larger, and continuous, narrative of the city's history, society, and economy during these centuries.

Sources include narrative histories, travelers' accounts and diaries; urban descriptions and analyses; letters, newspaper and magazine articles; interviews and surveys; oral histories; official narrative, statistical reports and legislation; political oratory; fiction, poetry, music, urban planning, architecture, and the visual arts."--BOOK JACKET.