The Appian Way: Ghost Road, Queen of Roads (Culture Trails: Adventures in Travel) - Softcover

Kaster, Robert A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 022614299X ISBN 13: 9780226142999

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2014

Synopsis

[ The Appian Way: Ghost Road, Queen of Roads By ( Author ) Apr-2014 Paperback

About this title

Review:

"How many Great Pyramids match the earth moved to make the greatest Roman road? Many more than you think--until you have read Robert Kaster's The Appian Way: Ghost Road, Queen of Roads, a work of erudite classical commentary as well as excellent advice for travelers today."--Peter Stothard, author of On the Spartacus Road, A Journey through Ancient Italy

--Peter Stothard, author of On the Spartacus Road, A Journey through Ancient Italy

"Layer upon layer, Italy's storied past unfolds in Robert Kaster's captivating journey along the venerable Queen of Roads. I cannot imagine a more perfect guide to such a rich trove of ancient and modern memories. Illuminating, erudite, entertaining, and evocative."

--Adrienne Mayor, author of The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates, Rome's Deadliest Enemy

"Fascinated by Rome's greatest road as a monument to power, death, and remembrance, and determined to trace its path today, Kaster makes a first-rate guide through time and through space, through the layers of history and the jostling of diverse cultures from Rome to Brindisi, from Appius Claudius the Blind to Kurt Vonnegut. En route, travelers should award him 5 stars for the clarity of his exposition, the accuracy and concision of his lightly-worn erudition, and the charm and relevance of personal anecdotes and striking observations. Many books will lead you down the Appian Way, but this should be the one to start your journey."

--Edward Champlin, Princeton University

"Slim but evocative. . . . Kaster proves himself a knowledgable and engaging guide on this journey through the past and present of Italy."--P. D. Smith "Guardian "

"A wonderful preface for any traveler planning an outdoorsy day in Rome or, especially, a trip through southern Italy. Kaster's enthusiasm for the road and the people (past and present) who populate it is contagious."

--Library Journal

"This delightful, literally lightweight book takes you on a brief journey from Brindisi in the heel of Italy's boot to Rome; but what an engaging journey!"

--Times Higher Education

About the Author:

Robert A. Kaster is professor of classics and the Kennedy Foundation Professor of Latin at Princeton University.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 022614299X
• ISBN 13: 9780226142999
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 136