Sicily: Where Love Is; A Novel

Brooklyn, New York: Legas, 2002. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Trade paperback. Very good. 226 pages. One sheet of publisher's ephemera laid in. Inscribed on the half-title page by the author. Inscription reads: To Dona, Best wishes, Dom, 2002. The author's premier work tells the story of Joseph A. Salerno, a visiting professor of Italian language and culture at Columbia University and the history of Joseph and his life. This is the story of two generations of the Salerno family who hail from a small town in central Sicily. The author lead us on a journey through the early 1940's when Joseph Salerno was hired as a professor of Italian at Columbia University. Forced to return to Italy because of the war, Joseph nevertheless had some experiences that would eventually make a fortune for his children. Many years after the family had returned to Sicily and Joseph's children had made a new life for themselves, they discovered a brown leather case with two large straps and brass buckles in the attic. The content of that brown case, which his students had given to Joseph as a parting gift when he left New York, contained two treasures that represent his heritage. This novel, however, is more than finding a treasure, it is about love and respect, family life and honor. The author was a native of New York. He earned his Ph.D. degree at the State University at Albany. He was an academic during his professional life--teaching Sciences and Ethics at various institutions of higher learning. He held the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs at one such institution, until he retired as a Professor Emeritus. Dr. Eannello served in the Army both on active duty and in the Reserves for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His most prestigious assignment was with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisition at the Pentagon. He was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and of the Research and Development Education Program for Scientists and Engineers. He brought to his writing an unusual combination of background and experiences in Military Science and Academics.