<p>In her evocative work, "Italian Backgrounds," Edith Wharton deftly weaves a tapestry of her travels through Italy, revealing the profound impact of the landscape and its cultural heritage on her sensibilities. Written in a lyrical yet incisive style, this collection of essays showcases Wharton's mastery of observation, coupled with her keen analytical insight into Italian society, art, and architecture during the early 20th century. Interspers...