“A brisk, frothy narrative . . . informative and fun.” ―The Wall Street Journal In the dizzying wake of World War II, Rome skyrocketed to prominence as an epicenter of film, fashion, photography, and boldfaced libertinism. Artists, exiles, and a dazzling array of movie talent rushed to Rome for a chance to thrive in this hotbed of excitement. From the photographers who tailed the stars to the legends who secured their place in cinematic fame, Dolce Vita Confidential resurrects the drama that permeated the streets and screens of Rome. 8 pages of photographs "Levy captures much of the excitement of that time and place in a prose style that is teeming with satisfying gossipy details." ― The Guardian ""In a brisk, frothy narrative....Levy has a passion for mid-century Italian cinema and is at his best when writing about its giants."" ― The Wall Street Journal " Dolce Vita Confidential is so much fun that after a few pages you’ll want to set it aside, tie on a chic little scarf, jump on a Vespa, and cry ‘ciao’ as you buzz past corner cafés and flower stands." ― The Portland Tribune "Shawn Levy has composed an exuberant portrait of postwar Rome and the filmmakers, movie stars, fashion designers, journalists, and paparazzi whose supreme hunger, energy, and creativity transformed it into the most stylish city in the world. He brings an infectious and freewheeling enthusiasm to every page as he reintroduces us to the extravagant romanticism of fast cars, reckless hedonism, and beautiful people behind the resurrection of the Eternal City." ― Glenn Frankel, author of The Seachers: The Making of an American Legend "Levy's spirited history is nothing less than a love letter to Rome's luxurious, sensational past." ― Kirkus Reviews "Uproariously readable. . . . [Levy] tells some terrific, if dreadful, stories about the convergence of noblemen and actresses. . . . He is a master of the group biography, pacing his chapters for maximum suspense and revelation. . . . The climactic story is a humdinger. . . . Wickedly readable." ― The Sunday Times ""Levy’s research is deep and his details are revealing....[he] chronicles Fellini and Mastroianni’s collaboration with insight and affection."" ― Newsday "Levy’s absorbing, well-researched book exalts the intoxicating, beguiling dreaminess of Rome in its celluloid heyday." ― The Times Literary Supplement "An enjoyable and informative read about an exciting and colorful period in Roman history and the history of popular culture." ― Library Journal "Details the fashion and cinema of 1950s Rome―from Pucci to Peck―with love." ― Vanity Fair ""Over 400 spirited and frothy pages, [Levy] carries us on a speedy Vespa ride....the book delights."" ― Portland Mercury "Levy’s research is deep and his details are revealing. . . . [He] chronicles Fellini and Mastroianni’s collaboration with insight and affection." ― Newsday "An eclectic portrait of Rome’s rise out of the ashes of WWII into a metropolis….a fascinating look at decades of Italian cultural history." ― Publishers Weekly "An exciting account of a revolution in art and society." ― The Spectator "Comprehensive and exuberant." ― Toronto Globe and Mail Shawn Levy is a former film critic for The Oregonian and the best-selling author of Rat Pack Confidential and Paul Newman: A Life . He reviews movies for KGW-TV and lives in Portland, Oregon.