Cultural Writing. Italian American Studies. Co-written by Iacopo Gori. Three Florentines --Amerigo Vespucci, Giovanni da Verazzano, and Filippo Mazzei --made indispensible contributions to America's discovery and to the democratic ideals upon which the republic was founded. HOW FLORENCE INVENTED AMERICA makes a valuable contribution to the study and enjoyment of our nation's history. It is a well-written reminder of the debt we owe to the Italian people for more than five hundred years of cultural inspiration and nourishment . . . a dazzling reminder of the unique power of the great City of Florence --Mario M. Cuomo.