Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on
bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Rome from the Ground Up
by James H. S. McGregor
A wonderfully erudite, in-depth guide to the architecture and history of Rome. With 88 color and 34 black-and-white photographs and 20 maps.
Secret Rome
by Jonglez Publishing
Highlighting the most strange, fascinating and esoteric sights of any destination, Secret guides are compiled by locals and organized by neighborhood. In Rome, Secret points the way to: palaces closed to the public, the miraculous liquefaction of the blood of Saint Pantaleon, and secrets of the Vatican.
Rome Map
by Berndtson & Berndtson
A handy map at a scale of 1:11,000, with a more detailed overview of the city center.
St. Peter's
by Keith Miller, Mary Beard (Editor)
Miller traces the evolution of St. Peter's from its original incarnation, built on the orders of Emperor Constantine, to its medieval rebirth and additions by Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderno in this history, guide and celebration of the great baroque basilica.
Blue Guide Rome
by Alta MacAdam
The 10th edition of MacAdam's ultimate guide to Rome, with full color street maps, dozens of site plans, suggested walks and extensive commentary on the history and significance of every church, monument and district.
SPQR, A History of Ancient Rome
by Mary Beard
The incomparable historian Mary Beard draws together the perspectives of emperors, citizens, women, slaves, conquered enemies and more in this popular history of the Roman Republic.
The Raphael Affair
by Iain Pears
In the first of the popular Jonathan Argyll art mysteries, Argyll sneaks into a small church near Campo dei Fiori identify an undiscovered Raphael -- unfortunately for him, the painting has disappeared.
Rome
by Robert Hughes
Opening with his arrival in Rome in 1958 as a wide-eyed young Australian, Hughes takes in the art, architecture, sculpture and life of Rome, past and present, in this splendidly written, sweeping tale of the beloved city, including memorable portraits of characters from Caesar to Cicero, Mussolini and Fellini.
The Smiles of Rome, A Literary Companion for Readers and Travelers
by Susan Cahill
A wonderfully inspired anthology featuring excerpts from 29 writers and artists interspersed with practical suggestions for travelers.
The Colosseum
by Keith Hopkins, Mary Beard
This engaging overview of the history of the Colosseum deconstructs Hollywood-perpetrated misconceptions of gladiator-eating lions, Nero fiddling and other myths.
Rome, A Cultural History
by Jonathan Boardman
Not a comprehensive history, but a good, easy-to-read introduction to the city and its landmarks that will appeal both to first time visitors and those who know and love the city.
Rome Stories
by Jonathan Keates
Part of the well-produced Everyman's Library series, this collection of classic tales shows Rome in different lights across the centuries. Featuring artists, poets, philosophers, novelists and more, the passages explore the fascination that Rome has inspired in so many, for so long.
Ancient Rome: Art, Architecture, and History
by Ada Gabucci (Editor)
This lively, illustrated survey of Ancient Rome's monuments, history and art is a terrific introduction.
The Jewish War
by Flavius Josephus
The Penguin Classics edition of the account by the commander of the Jewish forces in Galilee after the A.D. 66 revolt against Rome.
When in Rome, 2000 Years of Roman Sightseeing
by Matthew Sturgis
Drawing from a wealth of primary sources, Sturgis produces a fascinating history of Roman sightseeing over the past two millennia.
The Renaissance in Rome
by Charles L. Stinger
A cultural portrait Rome during the Renaissance. It puts the remarkable art and architecture of the time into its cultural context.
Poison, A Novel of the Renaissance
by Sara Poole
Defying convention to become Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia's official poisoner, Francesca Giordano becomes the confidante of Lucrezia and the lover of Cesare while pursuing her father's murderer and struggling to prevent Renaissance Italy from resuming oppressive medieval practices.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
by Ross King
King's colorful chronicle of the world's most famous ceiling paints a maniacal pope, a budding artist and a "who's who" of other 16th-century Italians (Raphael, Machiavelli, Leonardo da Vinci). Presented with flair and backed by a wealth of research.
Roman Art and Architecture
by Sir Mortimer Eric Wheeler
Sir Mortimer Wheeler describes Roman art, architecture and town planning in this abundantly illustrated book in the World of Art series.
Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel
by Andrew Graham-Dixon
Taking readers behind the beauty of the world’s most famous fresco, this articulate piece of art criticism is a full history of the masterwork and includes plenty of rich, full-color illustrations.
