Rome Then & Now

I have been to Rome several times. This book only made me want to pack and leave immediately with it in hand. What a difference - in the mid-19th century there were goats, and sheep in front of the many historic sites. Rome changes and it does not. A paradox. No it is eternal.

This book juxtaposes photos of Rome from the past with modern photos. You can see the rise and fall of Rome through the changes in skyline and landscape. It is especially amazing to see not just what has changed, but the particulars that have stayed the same. This book is great for people who study Rome, those who have fond memories of visiting Rome, and even those who just enjoy history.

A beautiful book of photos, and a must-have for everyone who loves Rome.

When you visit Rome, the buildings lend the impression that in many respects the city has not changed to any large degree in centuries. This book makes clear that while Rome may be "eternal" the architecture of the city is not! This book has a simple lay out. On the left hand side of the book are full page 19th and early 20th century images of Rome (the latest being in the 1940s) - on the right hand side is a modern image of the same location. The older images vary in quality, but all are clear, my only complaint with the newer images is that they aren't always taken from the same angle as the older one for a true comparison. If you have ever travelled to Rome this book is fascinating to browse through. Its amazing how much some of the sights of the city have changed in only 150 years. Mussolini made a lot more changes to the city than I realised before I read the descriptions next to the images in this book by demolishing buildings all over the place to make roads and restore some of the ruins.

Of course, I already knew that because I used her as a tour guide the last time I was in Rome! She's not just a tour guide, though, she's a native of her beloved Rome and has a master's degree in art restoration. Because of that combination of skills, the book is full of not only her amazing breadth of historical, architectural, and art knowledge, but it also has those wonderfully interesting little tidbits that only a good tour guide knows! So, yes, get the book for the cool, old black & white and sepia photographs and the new color ones, but also get it for the interesting information that will make you feel like you've been taken around Rome by one of its best tour guides. (And then when you're ready to actually go to Rome, look up her website and give her a call!) I'm thrilled to have this book...it will be a constant reminder of those wonderful days I spent in Rome.