1 comments about Top 10 Naples & Amalfi Coast (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. As a frequent visitor to the area I was pleasantly surprised by this very practical and compact guidebook to Naples and the Amalfi Coast. I am pleased that this is a book that I would take with me on my next trip - there is enough here that is new for me, and I'm surprised that the recommendations are, based on my tastes and personal experiences, quite accurate.
   
   I am particularly pleased that the author gives good coverage to the Capodimonte Museum (I had really expected to criticize the book for overlooking one of Naples most important attractions), which for some reason is usually given short shrift in American guidebooks. On the other hand, the allegiance to a "top ten" format can be a little misleading unless the reader is careful: the Capodimonte is listed as a "top ten" museum along with such extremely minor destinations as the "paper" museum in Amalfi (Museo della Carta), but note however that the Capodimonte museum is itself a "top ten" attraction for the entire region.
   
   It's also interesting that the book does not devote much space to such well-known destinations (and typical tourist overnight stays) as Sorrento and Amalfi itself. Quite frankly, I think it's a wise decision: the book is small enough to fit comfortably in a jacket pocket or a purse or a knapsack, and I think it's primarily meant for the traveler who is staying in Naples (perhaps for business) and is interested in what to see in the city and on day trips along the coast, as far south as Paestum.
   
   One minor nit: although the author mentions that nativity scene decorations ("Presepe") are typical souvenirs of Naples he does not mention the street "Via San Gregorio Armeno" which is lined with shops selling them. I personally consider it a highlight destination of the city. Similarly, although he mentions Vietri sul Mare, there's no photo of the town and he doesn't really convey how much fun it is to explore the ceramic shops there. Of course a book this size can't really do more than list the attractions: a careful reader who knows what they are interested in will find much useful information here. Highly recommended.

1 comments about Shorter Walks in the Dolomites: 40 Selected Walks (Cicerone Mountain Walking).

1. I was pleased to find this book about shorter walks in the Dolomites, written in eloquent English. This is a wonderful area of German and Ladino-speaking Italy with many hiking options. I was completely unfamiliar with what we might encounter and this book gave ideas on where to go and what to do. There are many lifts and gondolas that run during the late spring, summer, and fall to take hikers from the main road to higher elevations to start hiking. There is nothing like this in the US so it was difficult to envision. The author gives an overview of the area and then describes each numbered hike (location found on large scale map) in exquisite detail, including directions to the trailheads, mileage, elevation gain (in meters), and walking time. There are beautiful color photos and small-scale maps of each hike. I emailed the author prior to our trip and she answered immediately with suggestions on which hikes to do given the location of our lodging.
   
   We had no idea how long it would take to drive even a short distance on the map. As it turned out, we stayed within a very small area as the roads are narrow and winding and we wanted to spend more time hiking and less time driving (although the scenery was spectacular!). We also had no idea how much the various lifts cost. It depended on the type of lift, location, and whether going one-way or round trip, but the ones we went on ranged from about 8-15 Euros per person. That can add up. Another thing we learned the hard way is that lifts close in the late afternoon and might be closed mid-day while hikers are at elevation and not yet ready to go down. You can always sit at the upper station, which likely has a cafe, and enjoy the scenery if they are not yet open for the descent. Be sure to check the closing time and make sure you beat it or it might be a painful, steep trip down.
   
   The rifugios, or huts, are a delight. Again, coming from the US we had no idea what they would be like. They are much bigger and have more services than expected. You can get some great food and hot and cold drinks. They have restrooms which they prefer you to use rather than the countryside. We would have enjoyed spending nights at them had we known how to go about doing this. We look forward to returning!
   
   Gillian Price has done an excellent job at putting together a rather comprehensive book of day hikes in the Dolomites. Note that there are many hikes available that are not mentioned. She picked a smattering of the best, and there is great variety.

2 comments about Pocket Map and Guide Florence (EYEWITNESS POCKET MAP & GUIDE).

1. I love DK guides. I use them faithfully for my travels in Europe. The pocket map and guide are beautifully done, except, my pocket's not that small. If the guide were a bit larger I might be able to read it. Now I have to pack a magnifying glass too. Perhaps it's just me, but I think it could be a bit larger and still fit in my pocket. Especially since I could forget the magnifying glass. Then I have been known to stuff a digital camera in my pocket too. I have a suggestion. Find a pair of jeans. Measure the BACK pocket. Fit the guide to just slip into that pocket. Perfect.



2. We liked this handy little combo of map and guidebook. It slips easily into a pocket and was simple to use. Nice to have the guidebook aspect especially in Florence where there is so much to see that by the time we'd gotten to various sites we'd have forgotten a lot of the details in our larger guidebook. It works very well with the companion larger Florence and Tuscany Guide. Note that the print is quite small, which makes for a compact guide, but was hard for me to read on-site in dark churches. It's a very useful map, but if small print is an issue for you, bring your reading glasses.

5 comments about Frommer's Sicily (Frommer's Complete).

1. The color fold-out map was useful in my journeys to Sicily's many historical sites and architectural monuments. This guide is all I needed in Sicily and covered all of my top destinations, including Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and more!



2. I had this guide as a back-up to my conventional choice of DK Eyewitness. DK let me down completely, and I had to rely on Frommer - and boy was I lucky I bought this book.

   You may argue with the style of writing (for many, it is too patronizing and too prescriptive), but you cannot argue that they have done their reserch and then some more. If you are on a mission to set the world straight and if everything smelling of America appals you, you will not like it: Lonely Planet will make you happier. However, if you seek reliable information for your trip and generously extensive descriptions, Frommer's is your guide.

   Good maps, and detailed (if very personal) descriptions for lodging and restaurants. Practical info is as good as you can get in often unpredictable and laid-back Italian south. Info about driving in Italy is honest. Writing style is lively and positive; you get overall sense of authors enjoying themselves and really being in love with the island.

   This is Frommer's first guide to Sicily, and first guides are not always very strong - but this one is definitely a major success.

   Frommer's does not often come as top of the list in my guidebook recommendations, but this is one occasion where it does so with flying colors.




3. A nice book about Sicilly, with almost all information one may need. But for a multimedia savvy reader the layout of this book is a bit boring and drab.
   
   I am planning to make a boat trip to several destinations like Malta and Tunisia. One of the major port one will arrive taking ferry from Malta on Sicilly is Pozzallo, hardly mentioned at all in the book. This book is a bit too rigid in the travel framework it has laid for itself.



4. I had visited Sicily several times but the Frommer's Sicily (Frommer's Complete) has given me a new insight to areas and things to do in Sicily.
   Congratulations !
   
   I recall my first Frommer's book was Europe on 10 Dollars a Day !!!!!!



5. This book is a real let down.
   The suggested itineraries are absurd. The one week itinerary actually suggests that you try to visit the whole island in one week, which would involve you spending most of your time in the car!
   
   Most of the recomended best beaches are a bunch of flat, crowded, over-developed boring beaches next to the big cities. When actually Sicily is full of beautiful picturesque beaches set amongst interesting rocky cliffs off the beaten track.
   
   Furthermore, it seems that the writer never even visted the west side of the island. There is only 18 pages on the west side of the island, and the Egadi Islands are not even mentioned.
   
   I would not recomend this book, especially if you intend to visit the westside of the island.

5 comments about The City of Florence: Historical Vistas and Personal Sightings.

1. The City of Florence is a wonderful introduction to the riches of this fascinating city. Lewis tells the story of the development of Florence from its earliest days to the present, complete with engaging anecdotes that bring history to life. My favorite is an excerpt from the meeting of the committee charged with deciding where to place the statue of David. Woven into this is Lewis' own story of living off and on in Florence for the last 50 years: the neighborhoods, the business owners, the museums and the Vespa drivers. The traveler will find information on the best restaurants and cafes, the most interesting shops and the best ice cream. The literary traveler will find anecdotes about writers who have lived in or near Florence. A useful, delightfully presented wealth of information and entertainment; a must read if you're planning a trip to Florence.



2. On a recent trip to Florence, walking along Via Maggio, I suddenly stopped, turned to my wife, and gestured to the intricately decorated gray facade looming up before us. "It's the House of Bianca Cappello," I declared, awestruck. "I read about her in that Lewis book..." Indeed, the story of Bianca Cappello is one of the most memorable in this well-wrought book by R. W. B. Lewis. Compared to the typical "Florence: Cradle of the Renaissance" or whatever, this is a totally different take on the city. It's personal. It's intimate. And by not trying to be comprehensive, it dares to be fun. If you ever imagined yourself living in Florence, but it wasn't a practical possibility, Lewis has done it for you, and splendidly. Come on in and get to know the neighborhoods of Florence, meet the shopkeepers, stroll the back streets. Oh, certainly you'll need your Michelin, your Insight Guide, or your Baedeker when you visit the city, but be sure to read Lewis's charming book before you get on the plane.



3. R.W.B. Lewis was a professor of American Literature at Yale. He died at the age of 84, in 2002. Although Lewis lived in the United States, Florence was a city that he and his family visited for much of his life. Lewis spent some time in Italy growing up. During World War II he was in Italy with the OSS (the forerunner to the CIA). Lewis was on a boat which was sunk by the Germans and he managed to swim to land and evade capture until he reached the allied lines. Lewis was in Florence again after it was captured by the Allies. He returned over the years with his family.
   
   Lewis' The City of Florence is both a biography of Lewis' experience in Florence and the history of the city. Lewis' historical sketches cover the city from medieval times to modern times (Lewis describes one of the modern floods of the Arno, the river that runs through Florence).
   
   The City of Florence is not a travel guide. Lewis explored Florence in a random fashion, as anyone does when they live in a place. He discusses some of his favorite museums and places to walk, but it would be difficult to plan a trip based on this book. Instead what you get is some of Lewis' feeling for the Florence he loves.
   
   Lewis never does write about exactly why he loves the city. Perhaps he considers it obvious. For example, why Florence and not Siena. Lewis even likes Florence in August, when most Florentine residents flee the city if they can. He does not comment on Florence's notorious traffic and he comments only a little on the struggle to preserve Florence in the face of modern development.
   
   If you are planning on visiting Florence, The City of Florence is probably worth reading to get a feel for the city. Lewis' historical sketches of Florence are engaging and would also be a good preparation for a visit.



4. The author relates his love and appreciation of Florence, mixing his own personal experiences with historical background. It is not specifically a travelogue or guidebook, but more of a memoir, but it would serve as a useful companion on a trip to Florence or as informational reading beforehand. Not the best book out there, but a worthy addition to any Italophile's library.



5. 
   Before, after and during your visit to Florence, read this book, which is a marvelous book-long song of praise for the most famous city of the Italian renaissance. The late R W B Lewis lived there off and on for twenty years and he relates not only the stories behind the famous sites of Florence, but also the hidden history, background and some of the experience that make it such a charming place to visit. Even if you are not going to visit Florence, read this book and you will feel as if you had been there.
   
   One of the many things I like about this book is the way that Lewis--a former OSS officer in World War II and a celebrated Yale professor--changes from historic accounts, to architectural criticism, to every day life in Florence and environs. We get off the beaten path and out into the countryside, away from the tourists and into some of the best little shops and squares Florence has to offer. We learn the stories of the Medici and their rivals, and the impact that these clashing great families had upon the churches and monuments of the city. We can almost taste the wines, foods and other delights of the city as Lewis enjoyed them. All of this in very elegant prose.
   
   Best of all is Lewis timing and variety. Just as the reader begins to be a tad sated with the history, he switches to talk about local shops and their friendly proprietors, and then at the exact moment you are ready to move on, Lewis moves on to a very scholarly but still eminently readable discussion of this or that palazzo, piazza or church. For this liveliness alone the book is a joy. And it is clear that Lewis loved Florence--every page is infused with a place that never failed to fascinate him, and therefore fascinates us, too.
   
   Richard Warrington Baldwin Lewis was born on Nov. 1, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, and was the son of Episcopal minister Leicester Crosby Lewis and Beatrix Baldwin Lewis. After preparing at Episcopal Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, he earned his B.A. in 1939 at Harvard University and his M.A. in 1941 at the University of Chicago, where he also received a Ph.D. degree in 1954. During World War II, Lewis enlisted as a private in the U.S. Air Force and became a second lieutenant, serving in the Middle East, North Africa and Italy.
   
   He commanded a unit in Italy and received the Legion of Merit Award in 1944 for service behind enemy lines. After the war, he continued as a commanding officer of the Northern Italy War Crimes Investigation Team and was discharged from service in 1946 with the rank of major.
   Professor Lewis taught at Bennington College 1948-1950 and was dean of studies at the Salzburg Seminar in Austria 1950-1951. He was a visiting lecturer at Smith College 1951-1952 and a resident fellow at Princeton University 1952-1954, then joined the faculty at Rutgers University as a professor of English. He served there until his Yale appointment in 1959.
   
   At Yale, he served a number of times as director of graduate studies in American studies and also chaired the department. Appointed the Neil Gray Professor in 1977, Lewis' joint appointment in English and American studies at Yale reflected his abiding interest both in American literature and in American cultural life. He was also the author of a celebrated biography of Edith Wharton.
   
   If you find this review helpful see my other reviews on travel, art and history books.

5 comments about Authentic Tuscany (Authentic Italy).

1. This may be the best travel guidebook I have ever seen. I've been a fan of the so-called "TCI" books for years; they are very popular among those whose hobby is exploring Italy, because of the tremendous insider's detail and information on the interesting small towns, all written from an Italian tourist's point-of-view.
   
   But, this new format is fantastic. The book is divided into color-coded sections. The red "Heritage" section is similar to a classic Michelin Green Guide description of the major cities in Tuscany - the illustrations and maps are outstanding (less spectacular and slick perhaps than the "Eyewitness Guides" but more to my tastes).
   
   What really sets the guide apart are the other sections however. The "itineraries" section includes detailed descriptions on some really intriguing "industrial museums" including such things as the Salvatore Ferragamo shoe museum in Florence and the Piaggio motor scooter museum in Pisa, tourist attractions that were previously unknown to me.
   
   I would give the book 5 stars for the 40-page food section alone, if that were its only contents. Not only do they list and describe all the different cheeses and sausages of Tuscany, I particularly appreciate the fact that they indicate which towns are especially famous for what type of Pecorino (for example). Next time I'm in Grosseto, I'll know what cheese to look for.
   
   This is incidentally, the first guide to Tuscany (or Italy) that I have seen that goes into any kind of detail on Grosseto as a tourist attraction.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading travel guides, even if you have no specific plans to visit Italy. I am really looking forward to additional TCI guides in this new "authentic" series.



2. TCI guides are usually superb for serious and independent travelers. Authentic Tuscany is a bit more mainstream than others in the TCI series, which is understandable given the region's popularity. There are more illustrations and photos, all of which are excellent, as well as sections devoted to food and shopping. The book does provide solid historical information, plus hotel and restaurant recommendations, that will satisfy most tourists. However, if you're driving from town to town (which is the best way to get to know Italy), you'll really miss the detailed itineraries and maps that other TCI guides contain. At the very least, you'll need to pick up a separate map, which isn't always necessary with other TCI books (e.g. the excellent Umbria guide). You may also miss the more in-depth descriptions of towns that TCI is known for. Authentic Tuscany is closer to a 5-star book when compared to other Tuscany guides; it only falls short when judged by TCI's high standards.



3. This guide is written by the Italian Touring Club. That alone should tell you that they know what they're talking about. As an Italian, I love this guide, it's true to reality, essential, useful. Your search has ended! No need to wonder anymore "Do these people know what they're talking about?", because they do. You can take that from a native Tuscan! :-)



4. I bought this book with the hopes of getting some more detailed information about the Tuscany region to better plan a week's stay there. The book is nicely organized with sections devoted to food and history, and the lesser discussed areas of folklore, special events, arts & crafts, shopping and even some info. about activities for children, which is almost impossible to find in other books. This was the first book I found a detailed description of the Salvatore Ferragamo museum (amazing shoes) in Florence. There are tons of websites listed for everything, which will fuel your search into greater depth. There are several maps and expoded views of famous buildings and some nice quality photos of the towns. This is a nicely organized book. There is also info. in the front about joining the touring club of Italy (the sponsor of the book). For 25 Euros you get a one year membership and discounts at a variety of hotels, eateries, and other places which are highlighted throughout the book. Seems like a good deal. I would recommend this book, and I'm interested to see other books put out by this organization.



5. This new format is fine for browsing as part your trip planning. But it lacks the detail on art and culture that the old TCI Heritage Guides have; especially missed are the suggested walking tours. The new format does have more info on food, wine, shopping, etc than the old Heritage Guides, but it is not worth the tradeoff (at least for me.) As a result, Authentic Tuscany will stay on the shelf, while Heritage Guide to Umbria gets to come with.

5 comments about Malta & Gozo (Country Guide).

1. Super....could not have enjoyed my holiday as much without it!



2. Like other Lonely Planet guide books, this one is informative and contains useful information for the traveler. Some historical information, good overview, maps, suggested itineraries, etc.



3. Malta is one of those rare gems that still exist in the world. From its gorgeous coastlines, to the fascinating medieval strongholds, to the very life/flavor of the island itself, this is one of those places that captures the best society has offered from the last two-thousand years.
   
   Lonely Planet does a fine job with their Malta/Gozo edition. Like most of their traveler friendly guides, it captures all the necessary information without overdoing it. For anyone brand new to the island, this book is like the gentle hand that guides you without sullying all the wonderful surprises that await you in Malta, a place I find as one of the worlds least appreciated attractions.
   
   This book will offer advice, but from different perspectives, and the writing comes directly from those that have experienced what they cover. You won't get any "hearsay" junk with this guide. It is right on the money with everything it discusses; from restaurants, to travel accommodations, to tourist attractions, and far more. The maps are excellent and quite beneficial. I found myself spending a good half-hour to hour each night reading this AFTER we were already staying there, just to make certain I was getting every bit of flavor from my vacation as I could. It seems there is very little that this guide doesn't cover, for it even covers its history in a brief, but concise manner.
   
   For those who live or already very familiar with the Malta/Gozo area, there won't be much information here that you probably don't already know. However, if you are traveling to this wonderful place for the very first time, get this book! It is well worth the money and will be indispensable as you try to make the most out of your excursion. I envy anyone who has yet to visit Malta for the 1st time, for there is nothing like the first trip!



4. Typical LP book, more or less what I need and packed with facts. But on the hotel pages, I am surprised to see so few hotels get listed, considering a destination like Malta must offer much much more options at all ranges.
   
   What I also would like to see is information about sea links to Sicilly and Tunisia, a day-trip or an organized tour. There is hardly any mentioning of such. You've made all the way to malta, and Sicilly is just an hour and a half away, it is definitely worth of considering visiting.
   
   All in all, a typical LP book with almost all information you will need.



5. Most detailed guidebook on Malta, with lots of practical, useful information for families, although the bus information could have been a little more through, considering that taxis in Malta are *outrageously* expensive and the Bus system is really excellent and cheap besides. The food picks were top notch, and the hotel information was okay too. This is good for both the backpackers and stuffed-wallet sets. If I only got one guidebook for Malta, this would be it.

1 comments about Puglia & Basilicata (Regional Guide).

1. We got this new Lonely Planet guide just in time for our 2 week vacation last May and I can assure you : we extensively visited the Salento region, the beautiful Valle d'Ittre with the fairytale-like 'trulli' and Basilicata Matera with its 'sassi'
   and always we had full and correct information about what to see, where to eat, visiting hours, etc. This guide together with Michelin map n°564 is all you need to make your visit to this part of Italy an unforgettable experience as it was for us !

5 comments about The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian.

1. Phil Doran is a very funny man, and I laughed so hard I cried many times while reading this book. It's full of great stories about his life in Tuscany, and a very enjoyable read. I sure hope he writes a sequel!



2. This book is a quick read. It is both funny and imformitive about Italy. Sometimes people have to do strange things to get things done in a country that only follows its laws "somewhat"



3. Yes, the man has talent. His style is engaging and entertaining. But not very instructive. And, yes, he is funny. But at whose expense? One gets the impression, at least in a few scenes, that he is laughing at , not with, the Italians. These passages conjured up the image of the "Ugly American". Or, more appropriately, the arrogant American. Caricatures and stereotypes are the stock in trade for television. However, they are not transferable to a country and culture that is responsible for creating a large part of Western Civilization. The author's intent may have been to evoke a humorous response in his readers, but that does not excuse him from the responsibility of adjusting and adapting and LEARNING about his adopted country, as those brave immigrants did when they arrived in this country. Despite some weak attempts at providing a balanced portrait, and at the risk of being accused of not having a sense of humor, I'm afraid most readers will only remember the comical aspects of a truly remarkable ,profoundly rich culture.



4. It's very seldom that I laugh out loud while reading, and I would recommend THE RELUCTANT TUSCAN very highly. It was refreshing to read this well written, humorous, and emotional book that turned what could have been just-another-book-about-Tuscany into a totally new insight into living in Italy. I felt like I knew the villagers through his illustrative character descriptions, and experienced his emotions--humiliations and triumphs--with a tear or a giggle. I hope Mr. Duran continues writing about his life.



5. "The Reluctant Tuscan" left me - whelmed. The book recounts the period of time when the writer moved to a rural town in Tuscany and undertakes renovating a dilapidated farm house, mostly to appease his wife, who has bought the property without consulting him. Hilarity ensues.
   
   At least, that's what Mr. Doran wants to you think. There were some amusing bits but none that made me laugh out loud. Stereotypes and caricatures of Italians abound and there are multiple references to the Germans and WWII. Maybe it's a generational thing, but I found these annoying. He does sometimes manage to write in a natural voice that is amusing and inviting and those passages are very nice. Unfortunately they were few and far betweeen. He also has a bad habit of throwing in little asides and quips that obviously call for a laugh-track. I found these drew me out of the narrative and only served to reinforce the idea that Mr. Doran is highly invested in his identity as a sitcom writer.
   
   Late in the book, Mr. Doran makes the comment that in Hollywood, one is constantly auditioning. And I realized that's what he was doing throughout the book - auditioning. Auditioning for the reader's approval, for the reader's laughter, anxiously hoping for a reaction of some kind. Which is a shame as I think he may be a good writer, but he seems to not be able to trust his own writing to speak to the reader. Maybe living in Tuscany will help with that.

5 comments about Rome: The Biography of a City.

1. I planned to visit Rome and was told Mr Hibbert's book was better than any travel guide. I was worried it would be a boring, textbook read. To my surprise, I was absolutely engrossed from cover to cover. The endnotes were a bit too inclusive for my taste, but for a true historian, the information would be captivating. Mr. Hibbert's focus on numerous Vatican events is eye opening.



2. This is a good book for those interested in learning about general Rome History but not necessarily in reading thick textbooks. If you're interested in learning about specific periods/events (or the Roman Empire as a whole), you might want to look elsewhere. If you're interested in reading about a great city as a whole, this is a solid choice.



3. With a book that covers over 2,500 years of history, don't expect in-depth coverage here. That's not what this book is about. It provides a very good, bird's-eye view of the city and its history, however, and does a good job of impressing on the reader the incredible continuity of the city's history. I think there's a tendency to concentrate on ancient Rome and then to jump a thousand years to the Renaissance and the Baroque, without focusing on the incredible medieval history of the city. I found the chapters of the book devoted to the medieval period to be some of the more interesting.



4. In Self-Reliance, Emerson says, "In history our imagination plays us false. Kingdom and lordship, power and estate are gaudier vocabulary than private John and Edward in a small house and common day's work; but the things of life are the same to both; the sum total of both is the same," (130). This is a good place to begin articulating my discomfort with Hibbert's Rome: The Biography of a City. Halfway through the book one still has not seen any of Emerson's view that history is more than a succession of popes and kings. On the contrary, Hibbert seems to think that history is only that. It is an older book, and so we spare it some of our modern politics, but thus far, I've read nothing of women, nothing even of artists or architects in a city renowned for these, only that this king fought with this pope etc. through the centuries. I thought historians somehow knew better. One possible explanation for Hibbert's lack of attention to the actual soul of Rome is that he casts a broad net, writing so many histories he can hardly have time to do anything like justice to a place. He's written about France, Britain, America, and India, about their revolutions and separate books about their major figures, lending the impression that he may approach theses "biographies" like assembly-line machinery. One last neglect which seems to me not only in bad taste, but odd: Hibbert's Rome has been pretty overt in its dismissal of the Catholic Church. Nothing has been said about its many acts of charity, nor of its social/art educational status in the community, nor about the individual faiths of the saints and pilgrims, whose devotion, in the face of such obvious abuses, I find heartening.



5. I found the book to be well written and engaging in that typical British anecdotal style that breathes life into historical characters. It offers a detailed account of the sometimes bizarre history of this magnificent city during more than two millennia, all in one book, up until the middle of the 20th century.
   
   However, I felt that the book was quite lacking in providing answers, or even clues to answers, to the Big Questions: the rise and fall of the Republic and the later Empire, and the rise of Christianity. I did miss the context of all these facts that streamed by page after page, and there was no scholarly interpretation from the learned author regarding these inevitable Big Questions.
   
   The latter part of the book gets even better, when the author seems more at ease dealing with the 19th and 20th century. I found the detailed portrait of the rise and fall of the fascist state headed by Mussolini especially riveting. But even there, I wanted a bit more background and historical interpretation.
   
   If you look for a book that introduces you to more than two thousand years of Roman history, and is both educating and reads more like a novel than a thesis, you will not be disappointed. Furthermore, the book includes maps and pictures, to be used during a stay in the Eternal City. But if you want a more intellectual interpretation, there are better books on offer. I decided to buy both.