I used this book a few years ago while teaching a course on the history of Italian literature, and can't recommend it: the prose is wretchedly awkward, and it makes for an extremely un-compelling read. The undergrads weren't wild about it either.

I was initially excited by this book when I first bought it, but it became more & more difficult to follow as I went thru it.

The reason is the book's poor usage of events, places and maps. For example: the book talks about what the Etruscans did, but doesn't tell you where they are from or even who they are. The movement of people from the Po Valley is discussed, but you're not told where the Po Valley is. Don't check the index, Po Valley isn't there. There's a map on page 14 on the expansion of Italy, but the territories referenced aren't in the text or the index. I finally gave up trying to place events with places and abandoned the book at page 23.

This is a history of Italy for people who already know the history of italy.