The Companion Guide to Rome (Companion Guides) [Paperback]

Georgina Masson (Author), John Fort (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2007 | Series: Companion Guides

This classic guide to Rome begins at the Capitol, 'rising as it does like an island of peace out of the strident roar of the Piazza Venezia in the heart of the city, leading us backwards by degrees through the centuries to the time when Rome first emerged from a collection of pastoral villages set upon seven hills... And at night it is not so difficult to picture the stately ranks of colonnaded temples crowned with gilded statues and the basilicas rearing their great bulk against the night sky, or to imagine the faint glow of the sacred fire warming the marbles of the Temple of Vesta, and above them all the vast palace of the emperors on the Palatine overshadowing the whole scene, as it then dominated the civilized world.' From this seductive start, the glories of Rome are unrolled; Masson's home was in the grounds of the Villa Pamphilj, on the outskirts of Rome, during the years when she was writing this book, and she knew Rome intimately. She has been fortunate in her reviser John Fort, resident in Rome for thirty years - in the Palazzo Doria Pamphillj, who has brought this latest edition up to date.

Editorial Reviews

Review

When in Rome, consult Georgina Masson. --Sunday Times, Italy Special

Masterly revision of a classic. --The Times

Can rightly be called a classic... the definitive historical and cultural account of the city... it inspires complete faith. --Sunday Telegraph

Product Details

• Paperback: 702 pages
• Publisher: Companion Guides; Revised edition (June 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900639424
• ISBN-13: 978-1900639422
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,401,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly "too" good?, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Companion Guide to Rome (Companion Guides) (Paperback)

As a self-professed 'Roma-holic', I was thoroughly absorbed by this book. It is probably the most comprehensive English-language walking reference for the city of Rome available. The authors truly love their subject and seem to be fully informed -- not just on facts and history, but also on the colorful side of myth, legend and hearsay that swirls through so much of this ancient city, like a sirocco wind. I'm very glad that I found it and will use it as a resource on my repeated visits to the city. But a word to the casual tourist: you would do better on your first trip to Rome to carry a less erudite guide; possibly the Eyewitness or Lonely Planet versions. Then if you find yourself hooked on Rome and return to explore its deeper layers, turn to Georgina Masson.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible; utter poetry; magnificent, July 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Companion Guide to Rome (Companion Guides) (Paperback)

saying this is the best guidebook around doesn't do it justice, because quite simply it exists on a higher plane. consider yourself fortunate to have found this here; the book has long been out of print. snatch up this revised edition while you can--if you're heading to Roma you won't regret it.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A top companion that gives a lot and requires some care, March 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Companion Guide to Rome (Companion Guides) (Paperback)

I have used this book during a visit to Rome that has lasted several months. The late Ms Masson (and now Mr Fort, the gentleman who revised the latest edition) have done a tremendous job in distilling the complex history, art, and geography of Rome in 27 walks, each of which can be accomplished in a day (albeit a full day). The walks take up most (600+ pages)of the book, which is completed by further information on other sites, opening hours and so on.
This guide is excellent for the thoughtful traveler. I found it among the best (in English -- if you read Italian you have other choices). The beauty of the book is in the way the sites are both described and discussed. Most guide books do well one (usually the former) or the other. The sections on the Pantheon, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, or Santa Maria sopra Minerva are a few of many examples of such beautifully rendered writing. The sections on several baroque churches (which are, I believe, largely the precious contribution of Mr Fort) are a welcome addition to the previous edition.
This book gives you a lot. However, for best results (at least in my case) a little investement in your time will work wonders. Ideally, one would read the book leasurely before leaving for Rome, and then read again each walk the day before the actual walk. This will leave you time to look at the sights, study them, enjoy them during the visit, with the occasional scan to the text.
It is also important to note that this is a companion guide to Rome and that for items such as finding a hotel, a restaurant, or an internet point you will need another tourist guide, of which there are several good ones available.
I highly recommend this book.