John, you are definitely on the right track with the Lynn Nelson book. It is the easiest to take as a reference when you go to the Family History Center. It is easy to understand, and gives examples of the actual record, the same record with the handwritten parts typed, and again with the translation. BTW - you might want to take a good magnifying glass as well...
The Trafford Cole book is an EXCEPTIONAL resource, and if you continue with your Italian genealogy search, it's a "must have."
When you find documents that are difficult to translate, just post them here. We have many great volunteers who can do the translation for you!
Good luck in your research
T.