Pompeii: Reconstructed. Book Review by: Sharon Powers.
This hardcover book on Pompeii I chose because it is all about the architecture of the famous city. And boy, is there a lot of architecture to cover. This book is somewhat unique in that some pages have been constructed utilizing cutout overlays so the reader can see what Pompeii looked like before the Vesuvial eruption and what it looks like now.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is planning a trip to Pompeii or to someone who has already visited the ancient city. I probably should add, if you are like me and just want to learn more about Pompeii, the book would also fill the bill.
This book contains tons of information about the architecture. For example, the book explains that some of the buildings that had been damaged in the huge earthquake in AD 62 were still in the process of being restored when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the city. The Eumachia Building is a prime example of partial reconstruction prior to the volcanic eruption. The book also gives important background information about the founding of the city and the influences the various groups had on architecture and painting. Importantly, the Pompeian house floor styles are explained, and shown, so the reader understands when specific terms are used later in the book, for example, peristyles (courtyards surrounded by columns).
Pompeii Reconstructed also does a wonderful job explaining about the four styles of Pompeian painting used in the buildings as frescoes or as mosaics. It explains that knowing the four styles not only helps the viewer appreciate the beauty of the art and to understand about the lives of Pompeii's citizens, but is an invaluable tool in dating the building, reconstruction and remodeling done in various periods.
The book has also included information about visiting the excavation, construction materials and building techniques, the gateways into/out of the city, the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, information gleaned from writings (Strabone--who considered the volcano extinct, and Pliny the Younger who chronicled the events of the eruption and sent them to Tacitus.), information about the "New Excavations," and a fold out map of Pompeii then and now. The book covers some 46 specific public and private buildings individually, providing detailed information on each (including a picture, often with overlays to see the before and after). The DVD gives you a short, virtual tour of the city. I rate this book 5 stars.
My grandmother brought me this book back from her trip to Italy, knowing that I love everything to do with ancient Rome. And now that I'll visit Pompeji for myself in a couple of weeks, this was the perfect read in preparation.
All the important excavations are mentioned and I particularly liked that the comparison is shown between how it could have looked 2000 years ago and what actually survived. The film provides a nice summary as well.
Nice companion book for visiting Pompeii, bring it with you so you can see how the different houses and sites might have looked like as you visit them.
Morgan christensen 5/17/17 B1 Pompeii reconstructed 5 out of 5 stars
Pompeii! A city turned to stone in one fatal occurrence destroying thousands of lives and destroying a cultural hub for ancient times. The book POMPEII reconstructed shows how the city looked before Mt. vesuvius exploded covering the city with choking, burning ash and dust. With beautiful pictures and great information this book is a must read for any going to see the city on any kind of trip.
This book will take the reader back in time before the devastating eruption in 79 AD. It shows you the art, city, culture, and beliefs of the city of Pompeii throughout it’s lifetime. It really gives the reader a peek into the citizens lives showing you the pompeian house, entertainment, and work with pictures.
This is a great book whether wanting to learn a bit more or just something to do it will keep you busy and entertained. I give it a 5 out of 5 star rating.
We visited Pompeii during a Mediterranean cruise 10-5-2007. Yesterday we visited the Pompeii Exposition at Union Station on Kansas City with Bill and Ann McIntire. http://www.unionstation.org/pompeii/ Great!