Author Gerardo Perrotta Releases Book of Postage Stamps Portraying Bits of History

In an interesting and useful book that reflects one's love of two countries and inspired by fond memories of where he was born and priceless life experiences of where he now lives, author Gerardo Perrotta inspires his readers as he pens Phila-ITALY AMERICANA, a wonderful book that tells the unique story of the indelible that imprint Italians, Italian-Americans, and lovers of Italian culture have stamped upon the formation and development of the United States of America.

Postage stamps are striking pieces of paper that facilitate both the transfer of mail and transmit bits of history through the images they portray-they tell a story. While each encapsulated image traces a single thread of the journey, together they form a rich trove of experiences and contributions from the very beginning to the present. It is a multicolored, coherent mosaic, expressing the nation's depth of character and sense of direction and purpose. Phila-ITALY AMERICANA presents and discusses 124 U.S. postage stamps and each of them contains a specific Italian theme in American philately. Roughly one-third commemorate Christopher Columbus and the events surrounding his discoveries, several honor Italian-Americans, more than 50 of them highlight Italian culture, art, artists, and history, and few venerate Italians whose careers prospered in the United States and some have indirect connection to things Italian.

Phila-ITALY AMERICANA is designed simply to open a window for readers to see the parade of postage stamps in the context of its Italian connection. Ultimately, Perrotta hopes that such a work may not only stimulate interest in philately but also generate a greater appreciation in the Italian heritage that contributed significantly to America's birth, growth, and greatness. But this is not the end of the story, for the author believes that as successes and contributions from this large ethnic and highly assimilated group continue to mount, the pictorial story of America will continue to grow. The ever-blossoming tale of those with a "root in the boot" will grace the American landscape for years to come.

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About the Author
Growing up in Paola, Italy, Gerardo Perrotta remembers the airmail postage stamps on letters from his father and relatives. Then coming to America, he saw the landlord's stamp collection and developed an interest in creating his own. The thought to write about his heritage through the imagery of stamps became very appealing as he was nearing retirement. He is retired from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he worked many years in various capacities within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. His most recent experiences were in Pathology Education Programs as coordinator of the Pathology Course and Resident Training Programs and as instructor of laboratory management practices to residents and fellows. For a number of years, he co-hosted the Italia Ieri e Oggi radio program on WAIF, a volunteer radio program in Cincinnati. Besides philately, he enjoys teaching Italian to adults, music, Calabrian history, and puzzles. He and his wife, Mariateresa, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have four children and three granddaughters.

Phila-ITALY AMERICANA * by Gerardo Perrotta
Italian Themes on United States Postage Stamps
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 110 pages; 978-1-4836-4274-1
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 110 pages; 978-1-4836-4275-8
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-4276-5

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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