4.5

Another amazing read by Mary Beard. In this book, Beard focuses mostly on what we know about the living conditions of 1st-century Pompeii, as well as its architecture, decor trends, and economic background. You really have to be interested in architecture not to skim some chapters, but thankfully I was able to listen to the audiobook, which can boast a lively narration by Phyllida Nash. None of it felt boring.

One reason why I love Beard's histories is that she's not afraid of admitting our overall historical ignorance of some topics. Hypotheses are fine, but a caveat about the uncertainty of it to me is always appreciated and I get that from Beard.

There is some overlapping between her books. If you read a lot of Mary Beard, you will notice some familiar information. It certainly didn't take away from my experience with this one though.

Beard did a great job at bringing this city to life.

This is a thoroughly researched book about the Roman town of Pompeii based on the archaeology that has been done there. It actually doesn't talk much about the eruption. Its a story that has been told many times, but I think it would have been nice to give a little more basic information for those not already familiar with the subject. Regardless I found it quite interesting. I appreciated that Bread often did not give conclusions about what the evidence suggests, but spent the time to explain how different folks have different interpretations of the evidence. Pompeii has an amazing amount of information preserved, but it seems as every discovery creates more questions than it answers.

This book isn't for everyone. Roman society was very perverse in many ways and this book doesn't sugarcoat it, so there's some explicit language and content.

A truly magnificent work by Mary Beard in which the best evidence for ancient Pompeii is examined and analyzed carefully, but in terms accessible to the non-specialist. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Pompeii.

A wonderful look at what life may have been like before the volcanic eruption in Pompeii.