In the Shadow of Vesuvius: A Cultural History of Naples

top read great condition

It is a very interesting and well-written book about a city, NAPOLI, and its surroundings (Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri, Ischia, Procida, etc.) so beautiful, that there is an old saying that goes: "See Napoli/Naples, and then die". I enjoyed this book very much because it gives a good understanding/explanation of the cultural and historical variables. - A book I for sure would recommend (I have not finished it yet, but what I have read so far is very interesting).

The history of Naples is fascinating and fun, and there aren't enough books on the subject. I found this one easy to read and informative, but less than scholarly. There is an air of boosterism which gives Naples credit it doesn't deserve. For instance, Leonardo of Pisa did not introduce Arabic numerals to Europe; they had been known for two centuries to scholars. And he had essentially nothing to do with Naples. I also found the I'm-sure-we're-all-Catholics-here tone amusing. Ms. Lancaster is wonderfully credulous about the amazing doings of the saints and doesn't believe that The Church did anything wrong, ever. Recommended as an adjunct to a travelogue.

I lived in Naples 30 years ago. I still don’t speak Italian let alone Neapolitan. This book brought back a lot of memories. I knew everyplace she described and most of the history but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment on bit. I love this book. It is pure history that captures and explains this wonderful city. I’m keeping it on my bookshelf.

I really enjoyed reading this interesting history of Naples before my trip there this summer!

A throughly researched clearly written guide to Naples history. Also arrived promptly in great condition. Happy reader here.

I guess this book is mostly for tourists who want to read more about Naples than you get in a guide book, particularly given that there are libraries written about Rome but not all that much about it's southern neighbor. The book contains historical howlers that will bring you up short and it is poorly edited. On the other hand, it is is a breezy review of the history of Naples that provides some interesting information at a superficial level.

Very well written. Complex history made very understandable. Lots of depth but easy to read. Highly recommend.

Highly informative and readable book - don’t let the odd pedantic review out you off - the author draws on her knowledge and love of Napoli and includes great excerpts from other writers here and there showing her own breadth of reading.if you are visiting Napoli or are interested in history you’ll need and love this ! Can’t wait to go back to this amazing city. 5 ⭐️

Bien écrit et très documenté.

Interesante y amena síntesis de la historia y la cultura de la extraordinaria ciudad partenopea

It struck me as very odd when the author mentioned tomatoes for a time period where they had not yet been introduced to Europe. I took everything else with a large grain of salt after that

A very good introduction to the complicated history of Naples. It was great to read it in Naples, but as there isn't a kindle version so I had to take it in hardback, which was a bit cumbersome. But it was worth it!