Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“A delightful and immersive guide to the city of Rome and the philosophical tradition it embodies concerning the good life, or as we would say today, the meaning of life. Travelers seeking ancient wisdom among the city’s famous buildings and works of art could ask for no better companion.” * Donald Robertson, author of 'How to Think Like a Roman Emperor' *
“I have been a Roman for over half a century, but I’ll be sure to use Samuelson’s
Guide the next time I visit my native city. I will look at it quite differently!” * Massimo Pigliucci, author of 'How to Be a Stoic' *
“
Rome as a Guide to the Good Life immerses us in glorious works of art and architecture. But in Rome, every aspect of life, from Raphael to food to gesticulation, is an art. Rather than guiding us through the labyrinth of the city’s streets, Samuelson guides us through the labyrinth of life, more daunting than any streetscape.” * Ingrid D. Rowland, author of 'Giordano Bruno' and 'The Collector of Lives' *
“In this elegantly written book, Samuelson takes us by the elbow and leads us to his favorite places and works of art in the Eternal City, spinning stories about their history, pointing out their beauties and contradictions, and reflecting on their philosophical meanings. Whether you travel to Rome with this book as your guide, or read it from the comfort of an armchair, Samuelson teaches us ancient lessons that can enrich our modern lives.” * Lori Erickson, author of 'Holy Rover,' 'Near the Exit,' and 'The Soul of the Family Tree' *
"A stimulating, thoroughly readable mix. . . For the seasoned Romanist as well as a first-time visitor, this is an excellent
vade mecum for our times. All will read it with profit and enlightenment: it will certainly accompany my next trip." -- Sir Michael Fallon * Classics for All *
"A breezy and eclectic tour of the Eternal City in which [Samuelson] introduces readers to both physical and philosophical delights.” * WORLD *
"The book stands out in its dual appreciation for Rome as a locus for the sweet life and the life of the mind. . . . The author’s wit, enthusiasm, and willingness to turn his head and squint his eyes while looking at what seemingly has been picked over by centuries of cicerones makes reading
Rome as a Guide like being on the most engaging of walking tours." * ClassicalEd Review *
"As he leads us through the city, Samuelson introduces the largest philosophical questions and shares what the legacy of Roman culture has to teach us by way of answer. The result is an erudite guide to the city’s heritage that offers eloquent instruction on how to conduct ourselves and make meaning in the face of life’s enduring uncertainties.” -- James Mustich * In the Company of Books newsletter *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Philosophy as a Guide to
la Dolce Vita I Build Not Thereon
1 Die on Your Journey: The Question of Rosa Bathurst’s Tombstone
2 Build on Tragedy: The Humility of Caravaggio’s
David with the Head of Goliath 3 Put Down Roots in the Uprooted: The Piety of Bernini’s
Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius II Remember Death
4 Be Not for Yourself Alone: Cicero in the Ruins of the Forum
5 Take the View from Above: Marcus Aurelius in the Saddle
III Reap the Day
6 Conquer Your Fear: Lucretius versus the Roman Triumph
7 Dare to Be Wise: Horace’s View of the City
IV Love and Do What You Will
8 Hold Humanity Sacred: Seneca or Augustine versus the Colosseum
9 Crash through the Floor: The Mysteries of the Basilica of San Clemente
10 Make a Golden Ass of Yourself: The Metamorphoses in Agostino Chiti’s Villa
V Make a Palace of Your Memory
11 Be the Conversation: The Philosophy of Raphael’s
School of Athens 12 Unlock the Soul in Your Soul: Giordano Bruno in the Campo de’ Fiori
Conclusion: What Resists Time Is What’s Ever Flowing
Acknowledgments
Appendix: Rome by Way of the Winged Eye
Notes
Index
