Book excerpt: It certainly is not easy to add anything to that grand, opulent, and vibrant book that is Naples. More than a city, Naples is a universe of opposites: it is a place blessed with great beauty and breathtaking landscapes, but it is equally dark and grungy, as southern Italian cities frequently are. Naples is aristocratic and ragamuffin, open and inviting, and, at the same time, unruly and secretive. So begins Cesare Cunaccia's introduction to Hidden Naples and the Amalfi Coast, a beautiful journey through Italy's most beautiful southern city of Naples and the extraordinary surrounding coast. The book captures the unique essence of Naples: it affords a glimpse of the glorious architecture, from beautiful churches to private palazzos and their gardens; introduces the reader to local crafts, such as the elaborate Nativity scenes which have been a tradition for centuries (even King Charles III engaged in the favorite local pastime ); and the museums, known for their exceptional collections of ancient art and important archeological remains. Through gorgeous photography and lively text, Hidden Naples and the Amalfi Coast is the only volume devoted to the treasures of this intriguing region of Italy.