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seapeanut's review against another edition
Pagan Holiday: On the Trail of Ancient Roman Tourists by Tony Perrottet (2003)
jerihurd's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this. Read it when I was in Turkey several years ago, and have been thinking it's due for a reread.
12roxy's review against another edition
1.0
DNF
Mildly amusing jokes sprinkled among the lists of “what I read about a feature of antiquity “
Jarring insertions of personal tales of poor decision making and lack of travel planning into discriptions of historic places
Stopped reading shortly after being told first century poets who won competitions were awarded crowns of corn leaves
Mildly amusing jokes sprinkled among the lists of “what I read about a feature of antiquity “
Jarring insertions of personal tales of poor decision making and lack of travel planning into discriptions of historic places
Stopped reading shortly after being told first century poets who won competitions were awarded crowns of corn leaves
wynwicket's review against another edition
5.0
This book fired up my wanderlust something fierce. The author follows the trail of Ancient Roman tourists, from Rome to Naples, Greece, the Mediterranean islands, Turkey, Troy, and finally Egypt, revealing fascinating little tidbits about ancient travel. The book is also half travelogue, as he recounts the adventures of himself and his very pregnant wife as they visit these sites, looking for signs of the ancient in some very modern places. Both hilarious and insightful, this book was an absolute treat. And I'm feeling the need for a vacation more than ever!
alexctelander's review against another edition
3.0
Tony Perrottet has written a travel book about tourists, but these tourists had never been seen by the world. Route 66 A.D. is not just a travel book, but a history book, for its real characters are tourists of ancient Rome, who began an industry which has become one of the greatest money-making industries in the known world, and in many cases is what towns and cities depend on for survival.
Perrottet became interested in the subject of ancient tourism when he discovered the oldest guidebook in the New York Public Library, and from there charted a detailed history of where ancient Roman tourists went on vacation, and why the went to places like Egypt, Greece, the end of the Nile and the supposed location of the ancient city of Troy. The result is a book that is both like and unlike any other travel guidebook every written; safe to say that if anyone has an interest in traveling and an interest in reading, this is the book for you.
The author’s only true failing is in not fully appreciating what he has uncovered. He addresses these gems of history in a very cavalier way, sub-heading everything with annoying titles like: “Island Hopping the Aegean,” “Traffic Jam on the Sacred Way,” and “VIP Seeks Crocodile God.” Nevertheless, the book is filled with many photographs and details like the infamous directions to the brothel in Pompeii – cared penises on the walls – as well as a detailed index that can help navigate anyone on a most unique vacation into the ancient world.
Originally published on October 7th, 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Perrottet became interested in the subject of ancient tourism when he discovered the oldest guidebook in the New York Public Library, and from there charted a detailed history of where ancient Roman tourists went on vacation, and why the went to places like Egypt, Greece, the end of the Nile and the supposed location of the ancient city of Troy. The result is a book that is both like and unlike any other travel guidebook every written; safe to say that if anyone has an interest in traveling and an interest in reading, this is the book for you.
The author’s only true failing is in not fully appreciating what he has uncovered. He addresses these gems of history in a very cavalier way, sub-heading everything with annoying titles like: “Island Hopping the Aegean,” “Traffic Jam on the Sacred Way,” and “VIP Seeks Crocodile God.” Nevertheless, the book is filled with many photographs and details like the infamous directions to the brothel in Pompeii – cared penises on the walls – as well as a detailed index that can help navigate anyone on a most unique vacation into the ancient world.
Originally published on October 7th, 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
anotherchristmas's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! It was super informative, but also written in a casual and funny way that kept me engaged. It was the perfect thing to read during a pandemic, because it's as close to traveling as I can get right now (plus it involved Classics, which is always interesting).
thfishie's review
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Loved so much about this book. History lessons, life lessons, and humor. My favorite part of the book is at the very beginning in Italy.
anotherchristmas's review
4.0
I loved this book! It was super informative, but also written in a casual and funny way that kept me engaged. It was the perfect thing to read during a pandemic, because it's as close to traveling as I can get right now (plus it involved Classics, which is always interesting).
12roxy's review
1.0
DNF
Mildly amusing jokes sprinkled among the lists of “what I read about a feature of antiquity “
Jarring insertions of personal tales of poor decision making and lack of travel planning into discriptions of historic places
Stopped reading shortly after being told first century poets who won competitions were awarded crowns of corn leaves
Mildly amusing jokes sprinkled among the lists of “what I read about a feature of antiquity “
Jarring insertions of personal tales of poor decision making and lack of travel planning into discriptions of historic places
Stopped reading shortly after being told first century poets who won competitions were awarded crowns of corn leaves
missmarketpaperback's review
4.0
I really loved this book. It brought back many travel memories. I loved the silly stories and the references to Classical literature. I highly recommend.