When Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, the force of the explosion blew the top right off the mountain, burying nearby Pompeii in a shower of volcanic ash. Ironically, the calamity that proved so lethal for Pompeii's inhabitants preserved the city for centuries, leaving behind a snapshot of Roman daily life that has captured the imagination of generations. The experience of Pompeii always reflects a particular time and sensibility, says Ingrid Rowland. From Pompeii: The Afterlife of a Roman Town explores the fascinating variety of these different experiences, as described by the artists, writers, actors, and others who have toured the excavated site. The city's houses, temples, gardens--and traces of Vesuvius's human victims--have elicited responses ranging from awe to embarrassment, with shifting cultural tastes playing an important role. The erotic frescoes that appalled eighteenth-century viewers inspired Renoir to change the way he painted. For Freud, visiting Pompeii was as therapeutic as a session of psychoanalysis. Crown Prince Hirohito, arriving in the Bay of Naples by battleship, found Pompeii interesting, but Vesuvius, to his eyes, was just an ugly version of Mount Fuji. Rowland treats readers to the distinctive, often quirky responses of visitors ranging from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain to Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman. Interwoven throughout a narrative lush with detail and insight is the thread of Rowland's own impressions of Pompeii, where she has returned many times since first visiting in 1962.

COLORFUL CHARACTERS TUMBLE FROM THE PAGES AS POMPEII LIVES AGAIN. A.D. 59. Nero, a corrupt and narcissistic sadist rules the Roman Empire. Eventually, tired of the Emperors determination to destroy the social and political fabric of Roman life, a group of senators, praetorians and courtiers conspire to assassinate him. Pompeii is a city of secrets with a reputation for wealth, leisure and the good life. Culturally rich and oozing energy, it exudes a zest for living unmatched by Romes cold, corrupt magnificence. Murder and revenge will fuel support for the conspiracy, from those Pompeians with every reason to despise Nero. And Pompeii hides another secret. What is the mystery of the villa with the room of the crimson frescoes? Romes Empress, Poppaea, born in Pompeii, struggles to cope with Neros madness, her political ambitions, and her longing for a glamorous lover hidden in a villa in nearby Oplontis. Through the novels pages walks Praxus, a praetorian guard. His inner struggle between decency and his oath to a murderous Emperor, represents the core of goodness that remains inherent in Roman society.

"In graphic novel format, follows the adventures of Isabel Soto as she explores the ancient city of Pompeii"--Provided by publisher.

Mount Vesuvius is ready to erupt, threatening to destroy the city of Pompeii and everyone who lives there. Will new friends Thalia and Felix be able to escape, or are they destined to be buried under rock and ash? Thalia is excited to visit the bustling city of Pompeii, while Felix longs to leave it. As Thalia prepares to perform with her traveling troupe of actors, Felix is searching for a life of adventure away from his strict, politician father. Despite living such different lives, when their paths cross, they quickly become friends. Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Mount Vesuvius, a lethal fire is brewing. In its shadow, Pompeii awaits total destruction. The ground shakes, and the mountain rumbles. But when the volcano roars and clouds of ash rain down upon the city, will Thalia and Felix manage to escape one of the deadliest natural disasters in history?

In a brand-new non-fiction series from Scholastic, Survivor: Escape from Pompeii tells the story of a young boy fleeing Pompeii as Mount Vesuvius erupts. This gripping first-hand account is perfect for children studying the Pompeii at school. An exciting story - perfect for readers interested in the Roman history.