Plot Summary

The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found

Mary Beard
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The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

Mary Beard

The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Pompeii • 1st Century

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found by Mary Beard explores the life and destruction of Pompeii, detailing daily activities, societal structures, and the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Drawing on archaeological evidence, Beard illuminates both the domestic and public aspects of Roman life, contrasting historical reality with modern perceptions, and addresses the tragic human impact of the disaster. Sensitive topics include explicit descriptions of death and disaster-related fatalities.

Informative

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,933 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mary Beard's The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found is praised for its engaging narrative and detailed research, offering vivid insights into Pompeian life. Some reviewers found it occasionally dry due to exhaustive details. Overall, it's a thoroughly informative read for both academics and enthusiasts, despite some dense sections.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found?

Readers captivated by ancient history and archeology, especially those who enjoyed Robert Harris's Pompeii or Alison E. Cooley's Pompeii: A Sourcebook, will appreciate Mary Beard's insightful and detailed exploration in The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found. Ideal for fans of immersive historical narratives.

4.4

4,933 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Pompeii • 1st Century

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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