Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day (Traveling on 5)
by Philip Matyszak
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Book Summary Information
Author: Philip MatyszakEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-10-17
ISBN: 0500287600
Number of pages: 144
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Book Reviews of Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day (Traveling on 5)
Book Review: Halfway There
Summary: 3 Stars
I wanted to rate this four stars, because its "guidebook" approach is clever, and Matyszak writes gracefully and knowingly about ancient Rome. But there is a huge flaw in this book. What does the enthusiastic time-traveler want, more than anything, in a good guidebook? Maps! And visuals! That's where the book falls down. The only city map supplied (pp. 136-137) is low in detail, especially around the forum area, and misses out half of the buildings that are described in the text. As for visuals, there are just a few sketch drawings of building exteriors, and only eleven views (they are nice color plates, though) of building interiors. To get a sense of what it was really like to walk around ancient Rome, this is just not enough. Hence, only three stars for me.
This book is a good example of the challenges and trade-offs of print, as opposed to web, publication. There are literally dozens of current (2009) websites that will give the viewer an excellent walkabout through the ancient city, with VR, even 3D, and 360-degree reconstructions galore; it's very expensive, although not impossible, to reproduce these adequately in a printed book. On the other hand, Matyszak's text is better at least in some ways than much of what is out there on the web. Wish there was some way to combine the two - actually I wish that this book had been published on the Web to combine Matyszak's text with a full visual walkthrough. That kind of publishing has not really been done yet, but I think it's the wave of the future.
Meanwhile, if you like Matyszak, by all means get the book, but I suggest you read it while surfing some of the better Ancient Rome visual websites (can't mention them here, for some reason Amazon discourages web links in their reviews) to enhance your experience of the Imperial City in all its ancient glory.
By the way, Matyszak also has a similar book on Ancient Athens - see my review of "Ancient Athens On 5 Drachmas A Day." Readers who enjoy Matyszak's Rome will also like Matyszak's Athens.
Summary of Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day (Traveling on 5)
"History buffs (or, indeed, anyone with a vivid imagination) will enjoy this witty and erudite?and most unusual?travel guide."?Chicago Tribune
This entertaining guide provides all the information a tourist needs for a journey back in time to ancient Rome in AD 200. You just have to pack your imagination and a toothbrush! Here is advice on arranging the sea journey to Italy, how to negotiate the road to Rome, and what to see on each of the city's famous seven hills. You'll learn what to take to a fancy dinner party (dining robe, your own napkin, and indoor shoes) and where to find the best markets and public baths.A series of walks takes in all the sights of the eternal city, from the opulence of the imperial palace on the Palatine hill through the bustle of the Forum to the grandeur of the Pantheon and the Temple of Jupiter. The largest and most populous city in the ancient world has over one hundred spectacles to offer, including chariot races and events at the Colosseum where gladiators fight to the death. Philip Matyszak's ingenious book will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered what it would have been like to visit the greatest city of ancient times. 43 illustrations, 11 in color
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