Originally published in “Harper’s Magazine” in 1903 and 1904, “Italian Fantasies” is a 1910 work by British author Israel Zangwill (1864–1926). Highly recommended for those with an interest in Italy and Italian history. Contents include: “Of Beauty, Faith, And Death - A Rhapsody By Way Of Prelude”, “Fantasia Napolitana - Being A Reverie Of Aquariums, Museums, And Dead Christs”, “The Carpenter’s Wife - A Capriccio”, “The Earth The Centre Of The Universe - Or The Absurdity Of Astronomy”, “Of Autocosms Without Facts – Or The Emptiness Of Religions”, etc.

Israel Zangwill was a leading figure in cultural Zionism during the 19th century, as well as close friend of father of modern political Zionism, Theodor Herzl. In later life, he renounced the seeking of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. A notable portion of Zangwill's work concentrated on ghetto life and earned him the nickname "the Dickens of the Ghetto". Other notable works by this author include: “Dreamers of the Ghetto” (1898), “Grandchildren of the Ghetto” (1892 ), and “Children of the Ghetto: A Study of a Peculiar People” (1892). This classic work is being republished now in a new edition complete with an introductory chapter from “English Humourists of To-Day” by J. A. Hammerton.