Two Italian authors have launched a book on Vietnam’s rich folklore to help promote its cultural identity.

Alessandra Chiricosta and Maurizio Gatti introduced their book – “Viet Nnam: Miti e racconti” (Vietnam: Legends and Stories) – on Saturday in Rome, the Vietnam News Agency reported Monday.

The launch was attended by many Italian and expat Vietnamese readers.

The book is a fascinating assemblage of Vietnamese legends, fables and historical figures which were collected and translated into Italian by the two authors.

It is aimed at promoting Vietnam’s cultural charms and identity, including how Vietnamese people perceive the world, to Italian readers, the news agency quoted the writers as saying.

Alessandra Chiricosta – the book’s chief author – observed that through their diverse folklore, which is passed on from one generation to the next by word of mouth, Vietnamese people have properly preserved and educated their younger generations on their nation’s origin, history and culture.

Chiristosta holds a doctorate in philosophy and religious history and specializes in the Southeast Asian culture, according to the news agency.

She is also on the Italian editorial board of the Germany-based International Association of Women Philosophers, which provides a forum for discussion, interaction and cooperation among women engaging in teaching and research in all aspects of philosophy.

Maurizio Gatti is an editor and expert on East Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia.

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