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The Complete Pompeii
A gloriously illustrated and comprehensive survey of the most famous ancient site in the world.
The dramatic story of Pompeii's destruction has been handed down to us by Roman writers, its paintings and mosaics have astonished visitors since their discovery in the eighteenth century, and its houses and public buildings to this day present a vivid picture of life, disaster, and death in a Roman town.
Pompeii is not quite a time capsule, a frozen moment in history, but it is probably the closest we will ever get to one. This up-to-date new survey draws on evidence produced at the cutting edge of modern archaeological research, revealing how the evidence for life in this city was first uncovered, and how archaeologists over the centuries have unpeeled the layers that enable us to reconstruct Pompeii's history.
With its lavish illustrations, covering monumental architecture and inscriptions, shops, graffiti, wall-paintings, and mosaics, plus its numerous box features ranging from theatrical entertainments to water supply, The Complete Pompeii is the ultimate resource and inspirational guide to this iconic ancient town. 360 illustrations, 320 in color.
Among the many topics covered:
how Pompeii was destroyed in the eruption of AD 79
what we know of the lives and deaths of its inhabitants
what the houses tell us about the people who lived in them
who was involved in politics
what can be reconstructed about religious practices
The dramatic story of Pompeii's destruction has been handed down to us by Roman writers, its paintings and mosaics have astonished visitors since their discovery in the eighteenth century, and its houses and public buildings to this day present a vivid picture of life, disaster, and death in a Roman town.
Pompeii is not quite a time capsule, a frozen moment in history, but it is probably the closest we will ever get to one. This up-to-date new survey draws on evidence produced at the cutting edge of modern archaeological research, revealing how the evidence for life in this city was first uncovered, and how archaeologists over the centuries have unpeeled the layers that enable us to reconstruct Pompeii's history.
With its lavish illustrations, covering monumental architecture and inscriptions, shops, graffiti, wall-paintings, and mosaics, plus its numerous box features ranging from theatrical entertainments to water supply, The Complete Pompeii is the ultimate resource and inspirational guide to this iconic ancient town. 360 illustrations, 320 in color.
Among the many topics covered:
how Pompeii was destroyed in the eruption of AD 79
what we know of the lives and deaths of its inhabitants
what the houses tell us about the people who lived in them
who was involved in politics
what can be reconstructed about religious practices
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
17 people are currently reading
1181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 27, 2019
"Pompeii has nothing to teach us, we know crack of volcano fissure, slow flow of terrible lava, pressure on heart, lungs, the brain about to burst its brittle case (what the skull can endure!)" -H.D.
If you want to read a book about the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, this book should be your first choice. Dr. Joanne Berry is a Roman historian and archaeologist who teaches at Swansea University in Wales. She writes a first-rate account of the magnificent Roman town of Pompeii and the Mount Vesuvius eruption that destroys it. The burying and destruction of the city in AD 79 near Naples, Italy, had a huge impact on Roman history and unfortunately, the only eyewitness accounts we have of the eruption were two letters written by Pliny the Younger written to historian Tacitus, twenty-five years after the event. (The letters are printed in the book.) Luckily for us, the volcanic material from Mount Vesuvius preserved the ancient city for the archaeologists to study and what the book “The Complete Pompeii” is based on. Dr. Berry spent years at the Pompeii evacuations and brings us her expert opinions on her field of archaeology. She is aghast and rightly so about the amount of plundering and treasure seeking that took place before the experts came in to study and unearth the ruins.
The different evacuations over the years brought a wide source of information (and wonder) to the scientists and gave all of us a glimpse of what life was like for the Romans who lived during this time period. Dr. Barry gives us lots of useful information and also discusses the town of Herculaneum which like Pompeii was completely carbonized by the heavy mud and lava. Herculaneum was a wealthier town than Pompeii and had a beautiful library (Villa of the Papyri) with 1,800 scrolls in it. In modern times, we are using powerful CT scans to read the destroyed papers for further research. The author also discusses how through archaeology finds, we uncovered the graffiti that was written on the Roman walls and it was pretty obscene. I also learned that Pompeii was already struggling from the aftermath of a earthquake that occurred years before and that had destroyed the water system.
There were many interesting aspects of this book and I particularity enjoyed reading about women and their roles in the town of Pompeii. She tells the story of Eumachia who was a public priestess of the Imperial cult and the wealthiest woman in Pompeii.
(Side note: After reading this book, I could not help wondering why there are still people living quite near the very dangerous active Mount Vesuvius. We should be able to learn from history right?)
Dr. Berry outdid herself on the huge amount of research that must have gone into writing this book. You can tell that this subject is her life's work and she is passionate about it, it comes through in her writing. I really enjoyed the excellent detailed maps and photos, over 300 of them, with most in color. If you love the study of archaeology than this book is a real treasure. Five Stars.
If you want to read a book about the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, this book should be your first choice. Dr. Joanne Berry is a Roman historian and archaeologist who teaches at Swansea University in Wales. She writes a first-rate account of the magnificent Roman town of Pompeii and the Mount Vesuvius eruption that destroys it. The burying and destruction of the city in AD 79 near Naples, Italy, had a huge impact on Roman history and unfortunately, the only eyewitness accounts we have of the eruption were two letters written by Pliny the Younger written to historian Tacitus, twenty-five years after the event. (The letters are printed in the book.) Luckily for us, the volcanic material from Mount Vesuvius preserved the ancient city for the archaeologists to study and what the book “The Complete Pompeii” is based on. Dr. Berry spent years at the Pompeii evacuations and brings us her expert opinions on her field of archaeology. She is aghast and rightly so about the amount of plundering and treasure seeking that took place before the experts came in to study and unearth the ruins.
The different evacuations over the years brought a wide source of information (and wonder) to the scientists and gave all of us a glimpse of what life was like for the Romans who lived during this time period. Dr. Barry gives us lots of useful information and also discusses the town of Herculaneum which like Pompeii was completely carbonized by the heavy mud and lava. Herculaneum was a wealthier town than Pompeii and had a beautiful library (Villa of the Papyri) with 1,800 scrolls in it. In modern times, we are using powerful CT scans to read the destroyed papers for further research. The author also discusses how through archaeology finds, we uncovered the graffiti that was written on the Roman walls and it was pretty obscene. I also learned that Pompeii was already struggling from the aftermath of a earthquake that occurred years before and that had destroyed the water system.
There were many interesting aspects of this book and I particularity enjoyed reading about women and their roles in the town of Pompeii. She tells the story of Eumachia who was a public priestess of the Imperial cult and the wealthiest woman in Pompeii.
(Side note: After reading this book, I could not help wondering why there are still people living quite near the very dangerous active Mount Vesuvius. We should be able to learn from history right?)
Dr. Berry outdid herself on the huge amount of research that must have gone into writing this book. You can tell that this subject is her life's work and she is passionate about it, it comes through in her writing. I really enjoyed the excellent detailed maps and photos, over 300 of them, with most in color. If you love the study of archaeology than this book is a real treasure. Five Stars.
July 29, 2015
The Complete Pompeii?
Yes. Yes it is.
Everything and anything to do with Pompeii, from its earliest settlement to current day excavations – and everything in between – it’s all here in tightly packed, brightly illustrated detail. The big picture politics of the empire down to the common daily breads are covered, and all other topics as well – sex, religions, clothes, gladiators, graffitist, taverns, elections, ethnicities, gardens, imports, exports, schooling, etc. It’s all here in this wonderfully detailed book.
Highly recommend to anyone interested in Ancient Rome or the History of Archeology (Pompeii was apparently the place to visit for Victorians on their Grand Tour.)
I hope the authors update with periodic editions to keep up wither the latest technology being utilized to extract as much information as possible from the remains of this fascinating city.
March 11, 2025
A very good book about the know history of Pompeii in the centuries before it’s destruction. Also, the interpretation and understanding of the actual ruins. Highly recommend for those going to, or have been to, Pompeii.
January 16, 2020
I was given a copy of this lovely coffee table book as a holiday gift. As I am departing for a visit to Pompeii in the very near future, this was both timely and thoughtful.
The book explores not only the archaeology, but also the culture, economy, and daily life of the people of Pompeii. Through the excavations, translations of graffiti, and more, we get an intimate look at what was clearly a lively town up until its destruction in AD 79.
The photographs of buildings, art, and artifacts are phenomenal (as one might expect in a book of this sort). I was especially delighted by some of the etchings and paintings made by 18th and 19th century visitors to the site, when the site looked much different than it does at present.
Those with an interest in cultural anthropology, as well as the specific events of the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, are sure to enjoy this volume.
The only caveat I would offer is that, again, this is a coffee table book. As such, it is somewhat unwieldy. It will take some time to read as a result.
The book explores not only the archaeology, but also the culture, economy, and daily life of the people of Pompeii. Through the excavations, translations of graffiti, and more, we get an intimate look at what was clearly a lively town up until its destruction in AD 79.
The photographs of buildings, art, and artifacts are phenomenal (as one might expect in a book of this sort). I was especially delighted by some of the etchings and paintings made by 18th and 19th century visitors to the site, when the site looked much different than it does at present.
Those with an interest in cultural anthropology, as well as the specific events of the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, are sure to enjoy this volume.
The only caveat I would offer is that, again, this is a coffee table book. As such, it is somewhat unwieldy. It will take some time to read as a result.
March 5, 2025
I don’t normally read non-fiction but this book was amazing! After my trip to Pompeii, I wanted to learn more about the history and this book is a perfect choice. A good blend of facts and pictures, not too difficult to understand as every concept is explained well. I learnt so much !
February 24, 2011
'The Complete Pompeii', is just what it says on the tin! Published in 2007, and this is the second time I've read this book. The author, Joanne Berry, teaches ancient history and archaeology and she has researched Pompeii for the last fifteen years. It shows in her work here. Complete is the operative word. Including not just Pompeii but Herculaneum and many other sites buried by Vesuvius in 79ad.
The history and archaeology includes the earliest prehistoric evidence of Greek and Etruscan periods onto Samnite and finally Roman occupation in Campania. The writings of Strabo and Pliny the Younger are included to colour the final destruction of the area. The phases of the re-discovery of this, the worlds most amazing time capsule, is expertly described, since the unearthing in 1748.
Of the 250ish pages the book contains 318 lavish illustrations of which 275 are in colour. I would strongly recommend 'The Complete Pompeii' as a great resource, not just to visitors to these sites, but for those interested in Roman history as well.
So, what did the Romans ever do for us? Invented cement. Nah, the Campanians did. Invented hot baths. Nah, the Campanians did. As for the swinging sixties. It was life in an old folks home compared to the attitudes of these first century swingers. Talk about not in front of the children!
The history and archaeology includes the earliest prehistoric evidence of Greek and Etruscan periods onto Samnite and finally Roman occupation in Campania. The writings of Strabo and Pliny the Younger are included to colour the final destruction of the area. The phases of the re-discovery of this, the worlds most amazing time capsule, is expertly described, since the unearthing in 1748.
Of the 250ish pages the book contains 318 lavish illustrations of which 275 are in colour. I would strongly recommend 'The Complete Pompeii' as a great resource, not just to visitors to these sites, but for those interested in Roman history as well.
So, what did the Romans ever do for us? Invented cement. Nah, the Campanians did. Invented hot baths. Nah, the Campanians did. As for the swinging sixties. It was life in an old folks home compared to the attitudes of these first century swingers. Talk about not in front of the children!
Read
February 14, 2009Attractively-photographed and -written thematic coverage of Pompeii, divided into sections such as economic life, religion, and architecture. Very much not a guidebook, but adds a tremendous amount of background information that helps visitors understand what they saw or will see. Especially strong in giving you a sense of HOW scholars came to agree (or disagree) about the meaning of each building, artifact, and text over the course of the excavations -- and of the many questions which may never be definitively answered.
My favorite part was reading about Wilhelmina Feemster Jashemski (apparently an alumna of mine), who studied the gardens of Pompeii for decades by doing things such as taking plaster casts of rootballs. In this way she developed a truly encyclopedic knowledge of Roman gardens, as well as pioneering the field of botanical archeology.
My favorite part was reading about Wilhelmina Feemster Jashemski (apparently an alumna of mine), who studied the gardens of Pompeii for decades by doing things such as taking plaster casts of rootballs. In this way she developed a truly encyclopedic knowledge of Roman gardens, as well as pioneering the field of botanical archeology.
May 11, 2015
If the burning desire to see these magnificent ruins did not already exist in my heart, this book certainly would have ignited it. Beautiful illustrations - both theoretical reconstructions and photographs of the site today, fill the pages. It truly is a complete picture of life in Pompeii, as much as we can know anyway - so much will remain a mystery. Additionally, the author offers travel advice and highlights specific points of interest upon visiting. I can't even imagine what it would be like to stand on a street in Pompeii and see Vesuvius looming beyond the city walls, but it's an experience I can't wait to have.
July 19, 2019
I came to this book as a Latin teacher, who has used the Cambridge Latin Course, whose first book is set in Pompeii, for over fifteen years. So, I've had a learn a little about Pompeii over the years. So, it is in that light that you should consider what I'm about to say. This book lives up to its title. It is a very up-to-date and comprehensive look at Pompeii and its history which was a truly joy to read. Only the most recent (i.e. this year's) excavations are missing from this volume and the scholarship is very strong. This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in Pompeii.
May 5, 2008
Fascinating and throughly illustrated - there are more illustrations than there are pages - and many of the pictures are ones I'd never seen before (and I'm a Roman junkie). Very interesting text, too. Also has a useful map of the excavations, and a useful page at the back for visitors to the site.
November 23, 2023
Pompeii, orașul roman din golful Neapolelui, nu este singurul oraș distrus de erupția unui vulcan, dar este cu siguranță cel mai faimos. Probabil din cauza faptului că s-a conservat atât de bine în timp sub straturile întărite de cenușă și pentru că de-a lungul istoriei diverse personaje au practicat acolo o arheologie mai mult sau mai puțin profesionistă, dacă nu chiar aproximativă.
Profesoară britanică, istoric al istoriei romane, cu specializare pe viața socială, urbanismul și cultura romane, autoarea cărții ne promite că vom învăța "totul despre Pompeii", o pretenție nu neapărat falsă, volumul făcând parte dintr-o serie scurtă de cărți cu titluri similare. Cartea are numeroase capitole, cititorii aflând pe rând despre distrugerea orașului, despre redescoperirea acestuia și cum au evoluat săpăturile printre ruine în diverse perioade din istorie, după care plonjând în istoria indirectă a sit-ului (lucruri ce se pot deduce despre viața foștilor locuitori studiind arheologic ce s-a găsit îngropat). Toate acestea, împreună cu numeroasele fotografii ale sit-ului, hărțile orașului și reconstruirile teoretice ale acestuia și listele care inventariază relicvele găsite alcătuiesc o resursă valoroasă atât pentru cei interesați de subiect cât și pentru cei care aruncă ocazional două-trei priviri pe o altă carte colorată de pe o altă măsuță de cafea.
Profesoară britanică, istoric al istoriei romane, cu specializare pe viața socială, urbanismul și cultura romane, autoarea cărții ne promite că vom învăța "totul despre Pompeii", o pretenție nu neapărat falsă, volumul făcând parte dintr-o serie scurtă de cărți cu titluri similare. Cartea are numeroase capitole, cititorii aflând pe rând despre distrugerea orașului, despre redescoperirea acestuia și cum au evoluat săpăturile printre ruine în diverse perioade din istorie, după care plonjând în istoria indirectă a sit-ului (lucruri ce se pot deduce despre viața foștilor locuitori studiind arheologic ce s-a găsit îngropat). Toate acestea, împreună cu numeroasele fotografii ale sit-ului, hărțile orașului și reconstruirile teoretice ale acestuia și listele care inventariază relicvele găsite alcătuiesc o resursă valoroasă atât pentru cei interesați de subiect cât și pentru cei care aruncă ocazional două-trei priviri pe o altă carte colorată de pe o altă măsuță de cafea.
June 21, 2024
Pompeii is on my bucket list. Until I visit, this book serves as a great preparation. As I read and view the multiple images on each page, many in color, I realize how 250 years of excavation at Pompeii and Herculaneum has uniquely contributed to our understanding of the daily lives of the people who lived there two thousand years ago. The amount of detailed cultural artifacts—paintings, mosaics, sculptures, architecture, graffiti, foodstuffs, erotica, tools, coins—uncovered in their final resting places is staggering. In particular, the graffiti on the walls of buildings reminds me that basic human character and behavior hasn’t changed since the time of Augustus. Only our knowledge and technology have. There were exceptional people then, and there were crude people too, like the guest who stayed at a Pompeiian inn and scribbled (page 233): “We pissed in the bed, I admit, and we are bad guests, but if you ask why, it was because there was no chamber-pot.” If only they had had a flushing toilet.
January 11, 2024
The Complete Pompeii is a table book about the history of Pompeii's origins, culture, destruction and afterlife.
The book was very easy to read and laid out well, with introductory pages for each chapter and pictures, which helped in visualising Pompeii. I found it had a good balance between accommodation for people who don't know a lot about Pompeii while also not simplifying Pompeii's history and covering most of the key topics around Pompeii. I found the chapter discussing Pompeii's politics to be particularly interesting. The fact Pompeiians used signs (Programmatic) to show support for a candidate and the way in which they used slander and comedy to do so seemed strangely similar to Modern politics.
although the book was readable, I found it lacked a bit of depth and never really made any nuanced points, but overall, it was still informative and easy to read. 3.5
The book was very easy to read and laid out well, with introductory pages for each chapter and pictures, which helped in visualising Pompeii. I found it had a good balance between accommodation for people who don't know a lot about Pompeii while also not simplifying Pompeii's history and covering most of the key topics around Pompeii. I found the chapter discussing Pompeii's politics to be particularly interesting. The fact Pompeiians used signs (Programmatic) to show support for a candidate and the way in which they used slander and comedy to do so seemed strangely similar to Modern politics.
although the book was readable, I found it lacked a bit of depth and never really made any nuanced points, but overall, it was still informative and easy to read. 3.5
August 9, 2024
A wonderful and in depth look at one of the worlds most amazing archaeological sites. With 318 illustrations and photographs it is a visually stunning book. That also includes a lot of detailed chapters on the finds and life in this ancient Roman city. The only negative is that it was published in 2007 and there has been several great new finds since then that makes this book, no longer "Complete". However, it is still an excellent reference work with a lot great information.
December 25, 2017
I am doing a slow crawl through this book to capture every detail. I visited Pompeii and Herculaneum for the first time this year, and I am not done with the subject, by far. This book comes highly recommended, and as of page 31, I can say I am impressed. I like that the author chose to quote the ENTIRE text of Pliny the Younger’s letters rather than summarizing them. Nice graphics as well.
March 30, 2023
Not even sure what else you could want from a book on the subject in general (though it is somewhat slight on the body casts). Phenomenal pictures, tons of intricate detail, gets to the point you start recognising names from two thousand years ago. Dense as all hell but really wonderful, had to take a lot of breaks to soak it in.
March 18, 2018
What I like best about this book are the excellent illustrations that prepare me for what I will see in Pompeii. Especially illuminating are the sections about the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 and the religions and the Italian cultures.
April 16, 2019
We bought this after visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, and I wish I had read it before we went. It is vastly informative, scholarly yet easy to read. One or two points where the editing could have been more careful, but other than that, hard to fault.
May 5, 2023
Very informative book with detailed photos, descriptions, and a solid background on the town of Pompeii! I referenced this book heavily for my senior honors thesis and am grateful for such an extensive book on Pompeii :)
May 12, 2023
I bought this with the aim of refreshing my memory of everything I studied in preparation for my upcoming trip to Campania. Served the purpose very well and I cannot wait to see everything in person!
January 8, 2019
An ideal introduction. Excellent.
January 23, 2019
Amazingly detailed. Would love to see an updated version with more recent finds detailed.
May 12, 2019
Beautiful book. Lavishly illustrated. Complete? Well, maybe not, but will there ever be a complete book about Pompeii as long as excavations are still under way?
November 10, 2021
Comprehensive and more than worthy of earning a place on my reference shelves.
April 7, 2023
Was not boring. Lots of pictures of sites and artifacts
April 1, 2024
Comprehensive and visually pleasing— a much-needed mental break after twelve hours in the library each day this weekend. But consummatum est at last.
January 25, 2025
Just finished reading it after visiting Pompeii in summer 2024 the details gave me a whole different perspective on the site and what has happened there. Enjoyed it very much.
February 28, 2025
Some information outdated but blends the history and archaeology of Pompeii very well :)
June 23, 2025
The ancient city of Pompeii is close to my heart for different reasons. First, I vividly remember watching the 1984 TV Mini Series "The Last Days of Pompeii." By that time, I was already into archeology and metal detecting, hence I was drawn to anything related to history, especially when it involved excavations. Then, in 2005, I watched Pink Floyds "Live at Pompeii," an anti-Woodstock concert movie, filmed in Pompeii in October 1971, and set in the Amphitheatre without any audience. This movie blew me away and influenced my music style towards psychedelic music. In June 2024, I visited Pompeii with my family and visited the Amphitheatre where Pink Floyd recorded its iconic movie, while humming some of the songs that were recorded in 1971. Needless to say, there are many reasons to love Pompeii and this book does justice to the wealth of knowledge that this ancient city has given us on Roman life. The book is very rich and addresses all aspects of life in the city. It has plenty of illustrations and is a fascinating read. It is not particularly a page turner, but nevertheless a recommended read.
August 13, 2013
I liked the fact that it has quite a lot of pictures, that made the people of 2000 yrs ago contemporary...and i can understand that this being a comprehensive view of the Pompeii's history, she couldn't stay too much on a subject, but... I would have liked to get into deeper. There are related historical facts, but they are not related, not got around the people...just fine description, few conclusions... I guess my expectations were of some other nature... I mean, I was left with lots of why-s...
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