The aim of this book is to give students a strong basis for learning to speak, understand, read and write modern Italian while at the same time introducing them to the Italian culture. The student learns the language through nursery rhymes, reviews, conversation, games and well–known fables, as well as, through regular readings and grammar exercises. In particular, repetition and review are emphasized as essential tools for learning a new language. There are four readings for each regular chapter: an introductory dialogue (a love story between two students—one Italian and the other American), a Prima Lettura, a Seconda Lettura and L’Italia in miniatura. At the beginning the Letture are just simple dialogues or fables. In the last chapters they gradually become more difficult and, at times, are taken from works of Italian writers.

The textbook also includes an appendix with a list of the regular/irregular verbs, an Italian— English/English—Italian vocabulary list and an index.

The workbook complements the student book by providing students with additional written and oral exercises. The answers to all the exercises are found at the back of the workbook, while the answers to all the oral questions are given on the CDs.