The companion guide to Rome

The Companion Guide to... #6

by Georgina Masson

Six years after his first, very thorough, revision, John Fort has returned to the task, so that this long-honoured guidebook, regarded by the discerning visitor, since its first publication forty years ago, as THE indispensable introduction to the glories of Rome, continues to give an accurate picture of the city's treasures as they are currently displayed. This latest edition of the Guide is immeasurably enhanced by the replacement of the old street plans with new, clear versions of the itineraries that structure a volume which remains the unrivalled guide to perhaps the most beautiful and historic city in the world. John Fort, who has lived in the city for the past thirty years, walked every step of the routes described so vividly by Georgina Masson, and many more besides. In addition to checking and updating the information she provided so inimitably, he uncovered and describes a wealth of sights which slipped her notice, and accompanies the visitor through all the major museums and galleries as now arranged. The result is a guide to that incomparable array of classical, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces which will enthral first-time visitors to the Eternal City and also delight the persistent returnee with fresh inspiration and stimulation.

Genres: Travel, Italy, History, Nonfiction

541 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Crystal King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, one of the best books on modern Rome that I've read. It's not your typical guidebook though. True, there are walks you can follow but there isn't any info on times, prices and other information related to access to sites. Instead you'll get in depth details on the architecture and history of all the marvelous things you may see on your walks--far more so than you could imagine getting out of Rick Steves or Fodors. Best of all, if you are a Rome lover, this book stands on its own as a work of literature that is accessible, interesting and pleasurable to read.

[Andrej · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a history freak, no matter, ancient, medieval or modern, this guide with numerous walks is the BEST for discovering the wonders of Rome.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely detailed guide, limited (as is proper) to the city within the Aurelian walls, leaving only to visit the catacombs, major basilicae outside the walls and the Tre Fontane abbey - excellent focus and well-described walks through the city. There is, however, a constant leaning towards and dwelling upon ancient art and architecture (the earlier, the better, to the disregard of much of the work of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, for example) and the prose style, using 'we' and 'our' to guide the reader through the author's personal opinions, is slightly annoying. My copy is a bit dated, having been printed in the early 80s, but there is a more recent update. Rome, anyhow, doesn't change very much. This has been a most interesting read and I recommend.

[DMae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to use this book from the moment I heard about it. It was several years and several trips to Rome before I found a used copy I could afford.

This is not the book I ended up taking to Rome, and this surprised me as I had waited so long to get it! I use it for reference, for planning excursions in Rome, but it has never traveled with me to that city.

[Erik]

Included in the "Miscellaneous" section of Fr. John McCloskey's 100-book Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hefty pb, worth the mass on the flight and the ground in Rome. Descriptive, well-written prose offering context for the 'you are here' moments, sweet b/w crisp maps.

[Niki Costantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un altro gioiello introvabile, un altro regalo prezioso.