Customer Reviews

In the Shadow of Vesuvius: A Cultural History of Naples

5 star:		(3)
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2 star:		(1)
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Dr. Lancaster has written a wonderful overview of the complex history of Naples. This book is particularly useful for anyone traveling to that incredible city as I did for the first time last year. It is neither a heavy historical work nor a too-light travel guide. Instead the book gives the reader both a historical background and an understanding of how Naples got to be the way it is today. Dr. Lancaster takes the reader from the days of the ancient Romans to the present time and keeps her narrative consistently interesting with quotes, asides and witty observations. She makes history vibrant and makes clear to the reader that the spell of Naples has fallen upon her as well. Again, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Italy's history. Reading it, one begins to understand both the splenor of Naples and its many problems and sorrows. I particularly recommend the book to anyone planning a trip there -- your experience will be greatly enriched by reading In the Shadow of Vesuvius.

This is a beautifully written biography of Naples. I found myself drawn into this book and could hardly put it down. Not only is it an enjoyable read, this book is well-suited for a wide audience -- from armchair travelers to academics. Despite its rich and fascinating story, Naples has long been overlooked as a subject in the English-speaking world. Having read numerous histories of Florence, Rome and Venice, I was excited to finally find a history of Naples. Kudos to Dr. Lancaster for so wonderfully bringing the story of Naples to life!

This is not a travel guide or a book for light reading; it is a wonderfully in-depth historical view of Naples, Italy, from its inception as a Greek colony to modern times. There is no other book like it. The author has done a masterful job of bringing insight and understanding to a potentially dense topic, mixing humor and wit with explanations of each of the many dynasties and powers that controlled Naples and made it a royal center comparable to Paris and London. If one is interested in knowing more about the history of Southern Italy, this book makes an excellent companion to a book by Tommaso Astarita: Between Salt Water And Holy Water: A History Of Southern Italy

While the subject is fascinating, the writing puts me to sleep. Phrases like "self taught enthusiast" make me want to stop reading, and the prose just doesn't flow. Finishing this book, if I do, will be a chore. I'd rather have my twenty bucks back; save yours. If I get to like this book better as I read, I'll revise my review.