The Families Who Made Rome: A History and a Guide

(Paperback)

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A unique, lavishly illustrated and vividly readable guide to Rome through the histories of the noble families who created the city. How often does a visitor to Rome drift towards some landmark and wonder who created it Why What was their story This fascinating book provides the answers. At once a history and a guide, it divides Rome into the districts dominated by the fabulously rich families of the Popes- the Colonna, della Rovere, Farnese, Borghese, Barberini and others. In each case we learn their story - powerful, bloody and vivid - with all the scandals and intrigues as well as their relationships with artists like Bernini and Michelangelo. As we stroll through Rome's history - either literally or in the imagination - we discover it afresh. Famous sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and St Peter's take on new significance as we watch the city rise from cramped medieval streets to become a glorious panorama of piazzas and palaces, fountains, towers and domes.

Reviews

"[An] intriguing and original book...even the armchair tourist can benefit" -- Tim Blanning Sunday Telegraph "Elegant and informative...an entertaining mix of travelogue and history...we flit agreeably through the chequered history of the papacy" -- Charles Nicholl Sunday Times "Anthony Majanlahti wears his scholarship lightly and tempers his enthusiasm with humour; he has a thousand tales to tell... Enormously entertaining" Times Literary Supplement "Marvellous... For anyone interested in delving further into one of the world's most beautiful and extraordinary cities, this is essential reading" Tablet "Fascinating... A fine account of a decadent age and place" RA Magazine

Author Bio

Anthony Majanlahti was born in Montreal, Canada, and studied at the University of Toronto- his doctoral research is on the English community in Rome during the Renaissance. He has worked in many areas - as a producer of fashion shows, and a stockbroker's apprentice and as a research fellow at the British School at Rome. He divides his time between Rome, London and Toronto.