The Rome Guide

December 1, 2011

Native Roman and veteran journalist Lucentini presents 11 thematically arranged walking tours of ancient, Renaissance, baroque, neoclassical, Romantic, and Belle Epoque Rome, including "the Rome of the Popes," and neighborhoods like Trastevere and those located outside the ancient city walls. Lucentini includes this reviewer's favorites, the churches Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza and Santa Maria della Pace, as well as new sights including beautiful, seldom-visited cloisters. Numerous cross-references ensure the reader does not miss anything relevant to a chosen topic or place. Artists, places, people, and gods are indexed, and a list of popes and emperors is included. Published in the UK in 2006, this updated edition appears for the first time in the United States this year. VERDICT Not for the traveler who wants to "do" Rome in a day and get the T-shirt. This book is designed to be read in advance and taken along on the walks, but it is weighty; travelers may want to dismantle the book and carry only the appropriate section (a problem for libraries). Recommended for the traveler seeking an in-depth experience.--Nancy J. Mactague, Aurora Univ. Lib., IL

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