by Kate Simon
First published 1972
Kate Simon walks through Rome's ancient streets, her practiced eye catching details that escape most visitors. She knows which narrow alley reveals the best view of the Pantheon, where to find Caravaggio's hidden masterpiece, and how to read the layers of history written in crumbling walls. As she guides readers deeper into the city's maze of piazzas and churches, Simon faces the challenge of making sense of Rome's overwhelming complexity. Three thousand years of civilization crowd every corner, from imperial ruins to baroque fountains to modern traffic. Simon must find ways to unlock the city's mysteries without drowning in its endless stories. Her intimate knowledge transforms overwhelming chaos into discovery, revealing Rome as a living place rather than a museum. Through her eyes, the eternal city becomes navigable and personal.
Genres: biography, history, travel, art-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: guide, personal-journey
Setting: Rome
Period: Ancient, Modern
Paperback · Alfred A. Knopf