In the late 90s, Italian journalists Gianni Cancellieri and Cesare De Agostini teamed up to create the definite book on the series of races known as the Coppa d' Dolomiti. The race always played second fiddle to the Mille Milgia and Targa Florio, but had a unique charm, due to the outstanding scenery provided by the Dolomites and the start-finish line which was placed in the famous ski resort town of Cortina d Ampezzo. Much of the circuit which threaded its way through the mountains was still dirt, hence the name Polvere e Gloria—Dust and Glory.
All the more reason to document the event. Cancellieri and De Agostini searched the archives, newspapers, and photo collections and eventually came up with enough photos to fill a book. Notably, some of the photos are scans obviously taken from old newspapers. But it helped fill the gaps, and the result was a very complete survey of all ten events, placed in chronological order.
 A Lancia
Aurelia demonstrates why the book is titled "Dust and Glory". Photo from "Polvere e Gloria".
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Published in 2000 by Giorgio Nada, "Polvere e Gloria" is a big book, measuring roughly 10x12 inches, hardbound with 261 pages. Most are filled with black and white photos, and there is plenty to gaze at besides the scenery. Alfas, Lancias, Maseratis, Fiats and Ferraris abound, as well as a wide variety of Italian sports racers. Which is great, because even though the text is in Italian only, the photos themselves make the book worth finding.
 Italian sports racers such as this Siata competed for honors in the 750cc class. Photo from "Polvere e Gloria".
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To their credit, the authors have also included an appendix with full results of each year by class. No serial numbers (wouldn’t that be nice!) but complete nonetheless and extremely useful. Unlike many books, this one has a very complete index, and identifies the reference to either photos or text. Nice stuff, done well by a pair of historians who know how to present a chronicle.
The first event took place on July 20th 1947, and attracted those enthusiasts and race drivers eager to get back into racing following the war. Early entrants included Enrico Nardi, Giulio Cabianca, Piero Dusio, one Ricardo Marchesini, driving of course a Lancia (Aprilia), and Enrico Beltrachini, aboard the first Ferrari, the 815 Auto Avio Construzioni. Some of the cars entered were superb examples of the post-war Italian craftsmanship and yet some of the home-built specials were as rough and crude as one might imagine.
The event grew from strength to strength, and by 1956, attracted internationally known drivers such as Olivier Gendebien, Umberto Maglioli, and Gigi Villoresi. Plans for the 1957 event were underway when de Portago crashed during the Mille Miglia in May, putting an end to the dusty road racing through the Dolomites.
"Polvere e Gloria", with its statistics and hundreds of period photos is a very welcome addition to a serious library and will again be available from Motorbooks Italiano.
