Phoenix Press, 2001, $19.95, ISBN 1-84212-219-3, 162 pgs., trade paperback

This reprint of Grant's 1971 book delves into the ash-covered ruins of Pompeii, the mud-covered ruins of Herculaneum, and various Roman villas and villages buried by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Once again, Grant delivers an informative and eminently readable book. From descriptions of furnishings to an explanation on how various villages succumbed to the blast, this thin volume offers a good overview of the entire catastrophe.

Chapters include a history of the settlements, Vesuvius as a geological feature, towns, temples, private homes and villas, paintings and mosaics, farms, and public life. Seventeen maps, predominantly building floor plans, punctuate the text, and 37 black and white photos in a central section illustrate the point of interest.

I had visited Pompeii back in 1985, and immediately wished I had read this before going. It would have been a big help, especially if you could poke around on your own. However, it being 2002, this book is 30+ years old, and much recent archaeological work and interpretations have occurred -- obviously none reflected in this reprint. In fact, in many places, Grant notes that this building or area has yet to be excavated.

The other point of concern is the $19.95 price--a rather inflated opinion of a 30+ year-old book, even if it is Michael Grant. At $9.95, this 162-page book would be perfectly acceptable, but I suspect you can find a more up to date work for twenty bucks.

Cities of Vesuvius is not the last work on the subject, and the price provides a sticking point. However, Grant's work is as dependable, solid, and well-written as ever and you'll get a good grounding of the event, aftermath, and archaeological finds.

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