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world. The European reader will be able to realize that, beyond the beaches and the beauty of our landscape
and our people: “There is a country in the world that follows the same path under the sun,” as the Dominican
Poet Laureate Pedro Mir has observed.
Thus, the relations between Italy and the Dominican Republic have a beautiful history that enriches their
cultural memory in a reciprocal way. Many of the pioneering Dominican families of Italian origin have con-
tributed, from a commercial, political, or religious perspective, in promoting development and stimulating
economic, material, intellectual, and social progress in our country.
The fact that this work appears in an English edition, published by the distinguished Saint Joseph’s Uni-
versity Press, and also in Spanish and Italian editions, published by the prestigious Umberto Allemandi pub-
lishing house, guarantees further dissemination and greater reach. This book is therefore a testimony and an
unprecedented legacy to the shared cultural history of both countries and a contribution to present and future
generations who wish to nourish their minds with its content.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Italian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic,
H.E. Andrea Canepari, for undertaking this bold and challenging initiative.