From the inside flap:

To create this timeless look at Italy, James Conley immersed himself in its life. From the haunting hills of Tuscany to the bustle of Rome, the labyrinths of Venice to the grandeur of Florence, both moment and mood are captured.

"Ristretto" means "concentrated; restricted." It most often refers to a method of making espresso by which only the purest portion of the coffee is drawn.

The term is an appropriate title for this collection of images because it captures the essence of Italy. Each image is rich in both moment and meaning, revealing the complexity of Italy through its people and places.

This collectible hardcover book is 13 x 11 x 1.4 inches, 148 pages, and features 75 achromatic images.