“NOI NON SIAMO NAPOLETANI “
Michelangelo Iossa’s new book chronicles the one hundred “non-Neapolitans” who made Naples great.
Journalist and writer Michelangelo Iossa‘s twentieth book,
published by MEA Publisher, is available in bookstores from July 20th.
Preface by Renzo Arbore.
A surprising journey into the identity of a city that has always belonged to those who choose it.
Is being Neapolitan a matter of birth or belonging?
This is the question that inspires NOI NON SIAMO NAPOLETANI (We’re not Neapolitans) – I 100 non napoletani che hanno fatto grande Napoli (The 100 non-Neapolitans who made Naples great), Michelangelo Iossa’s new book, coming out July 20th from Edizioni MEA, with a preface by Renzo Arbore.
With his twentieth volume, Iossa offers an original reflection on one of the key themes of Neapolitan identity and culture, overturning a deeply held belief: Neapolitanness is not a demographic fact, but a state of mind.
Through one hundred emblematic stories, the book demonstrates how some of the figures who contributed most to building the myth of Naples were not born in the shadow of Vesuvius. From the Siren Partenope to Diego Armando Maradona, from Virgil to San Gennaro, from King Frederick II to Matilde Serao, from Vittorio De Sica to Marcello Mastroianni, from Benedetto Croce to Domenico Modugno, a mosaic of personalities has come to define Naples, allowing themselves to be transformed by its history, its culture, and its extraordinary capacity for hospitality.
More than a collection of biographies, NOI NON SIAMO NAPOLETANI is a declaration of love for a city that for centuries has built its identity through encounters, influences, and belonging. A world-city that continues to recognize as its own those who share its language, vision, and soul.
The release of this volume coincides with a particularly significant moment in the author’s career. Journalist, writer, and university professor Michelangelo Iossa will receive two important awards: the 2026 Italian Excellence Award (Italy Award), which will be presented on July 6th as part of the Stabiae Awards, and the 2026 Campania Excellence Award, scheduled for July 14th as part of the “Emozioni in Piazza” event in Naples.
For over thirty years, Iossa has written articles for some of Italy’s leading newspapers, including Corriere della Sera, Corriere del Mezzogiorno, and other publications of the RCS group. A professor at the “Suor Orsola Benincasa” University since 1999, with over 45,000 copies sold, he is considered one of Italy’s most authoritative and respected commentators on music and pop culture. Throughout his career, he has written books about the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Pino Daniele, Harry Styles, Rino Gaetano, and the soundtracks of the James Bond series. He has received the Presidency of the Council of Ministers‘ Publishing Award and numerous other national awards.
The first national presentation of the book will be held on Monday, July 20th at 4:30 pm at the Grand Hotel Parker’s in Naples.
The event will open with a greeting from the Avallone family (Grand Hotel Parker’s), followed by a presentation by publisher Geltrude Vollaro. The author will engage in a conversation with Professor Paola Villani, a lecturer at the “Suor Orsola Benincasa” University, while musician and singer-songwriter Diego Moreno will accompany the event. A book signing with the author will follow. During this exclusive event—by invitation only and already sold out—guests will receive a complimentary copy of the book and enjoy a convivial moment with coffee and sfogliatelle, courtesy of the Grand Hotel Parker’s in Naples.
With NOI NON SIAMO NAPOLETANI, Michelangelo Iossa invites the reader to look at Naples from a different perspective: not as a place that defines those born within its borders, but as a cultural force capable of transforming anyone who chooses to belong to it.
Title: NOI NON SIAMO NAPOLETANI – I 100 non napoletani che hanno fatto grande Napoli
Author: Michelangelo Iossa
Preface: Renzo Arbore
Publisher: Edizioni MEA
Release date : July 20, 2026.
