Title: The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found
Author: Mary Beard
First published December 15, 2008
360 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780674029767 (ISBN10: 0674029763)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
The ruins of Pompeii have always been a source of fascination and mystery, capturing the imagination of millions of people worldwide. In The Fires of Vesuvius, Mary Beard explores the rich and tumultuous history of this iconic archaeological site, from its early beginnings to its tragic end at the hands of Vesuvius in 79 CE.
With her signature wit and keen eye for detail, Beard sheds light on the lives of ordinary people who once called Pompeii home, delving into the fascinating intricacies of their daily routines, beliefs, and social structures. From the Temple of Isis to the Suburban Baths, she takes us on a journey through the city’s vibrant past, exploring everything from its vibrant multiculturalism to its more taboo topics, including sex and erotica.
But even as she uncovers the secrets of Pompeii’s past, Beard reminds us that there is still much we do not know, and that this ancient city continues to hold many surprises. A must-read for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or the wonders of the ancient world.
About the Author
Mary Beard is a professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge and a fellow of Newnham College. She’s also the Classics editor of the Times Literary Supplement and writes a regular column called “A Don’s Life” for The Times.
Her public statements and frequent media appearances have made her “Britain’s best-known classicist.”
Born on January 1, 1955 in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, Mary was an only child. Her father was an architect in Shrewsbury and her mother was a headmistress who loved to read.
Mary attended an all-female direct grant school and did archaeological excavations during the summer to earn money for recreational spending. She found the study of antiquity unexpectedly interesting and developed feminist views that remained important in her later life.
Mary was interviewed for a place at Newnham College, Cambridge when she was 18 and sat the then-compulsory entrance exam. She rejected King’s College because it did not offer scholarships to women.
Although studying at a single-sex college, she found that some men in the University held dismissive attitudes towards women’s academic potential. This strengthened her determination to succeed.
From 1979 to 1983, Mary lectured in Classics at King’s College London. She returned to Cambridge in 1984 as a fellow of Newnham College and the only female lecturer in the Classics faculty.
She co-wrote a book called Rome in the Late Republic with the Cambridge ancient historian Michael Crawford in 1984, the same year she returned to Cambridge. Mary married Robin Sinclair Cormack in 1985 and had a daughter in 1985 and a son in 1987.
In 1992, she became the Classics editor of the Times Literary Supplement.
In 2001, after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Mary contributed an article to the London Review of Books. She opined that many people thought “the United States had it coming” and that “world bullies, even if their heart is in the right place, will in the end pay the price.” In a November 2007 interview, she said the hostility these comments provoked had not subsided, but believed that it had become a standard viewpoint that terrorism was associated with American foreign policy.
Mary became the Professor of Classics at Cambridge in 2004. She’s also the Visiting Sather Professor of Classical Literature for 2008-2009 at the University of California, Berkeley.
She’s delivered a series of lectures on “Roman Laughter” there.
Editoral Review
Mary Beards The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found is a captivating exploration of the ancient city of Pompeii and its tragic fate. Published on December 15, 2008, this book is a part of the genre of historical non-fiction that aims to provide a detailed analysis of fascinating historical events of the past.
Mary Beard, a prominent classical scholar and professor of classics at the University of Cambridge, writes with great insight and knowledge about the Roman era and the events that led to the destruction of Pompeii. The book begins with the authors account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The author describes in rich detail the scale of the destruction that the volcano unleashed upon the city of Pompeii.
The book covers the history of the city and its culture, from its earliest origins in the 8th century BCE to the fateful day of its destruction in the first century CE. The book is incredibly detailed, providing a vivid picture of everyday life in Pompeii, including the vibrant arts scene of the city.
Beard focuses on the everyday lives and lifestyles of the people of Pompeii, which gives the reader a unique insight into their culture and society. Through her vivid descriptions, the reader can see how the city was destroyed and preserved, giving us an unprecedented look into the Roman era.
The characters that she introduces feel realistic and, at times, relatable, which makes the reader more invested in their fates. Beard uses her expertise to make the book a fascinating blend of archaeology, history, and cultural analysis.
The book also focuses on the impact that the discovery of Pompeii had on the development of archaeology, and the role that the city played in the creation of the idea of a ‘lost city.’ The author addresses all the controversies, myths, and misconceptions that have arisen regarding the city over the years, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the subject. One of the books strengths is its accessibility.
The author writes for a wide audience, making the book engaging and easy to read for anyone with an interest in ancient Rome or archaeology. The book is a captivating mix of journalism, scholarship, and memoir that immerses the reader in the world of Pompeii.
The pacing of the book is excellent, and the authors writing keeps the reader engaged throughout the narrative. The book’s only real flaw is that it can be quite dense, which makes it difficult to get through at times.
However, this is a minor complaint, as most readers who are interested in Pompeii or ancient Rome will find it stimulating and insightful. In conclusion, The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found is an excellent book that is well-written, well-researched, and thoroughly engaging.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in Pompeii, archaeology, or ancient Rome. Mary Beard has crafted a masterpiece that explores Roman history in detail and insight, and the book comes highly recommended for all those interested in the subject matter.
It deserves a score of 9/10 for its outstanding research, writing, and content.
