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I am going for a program of masters in anthropology soon and someday wish to get into archeology. just recently my fascination with Pompeii returned and itd be a dream to walk the streets of pompeii. What I love about this subject is that it blends both history and geography- I love volcanoes and geology almost as much as history.
So my query is this: I am looking for books which give a detailed account of what happened on THAT day when Vesuvius erupted. Perhaps a few pages on the days preluding that wont harm.
what I am getting on the internet are either books which are historical fiction based on the event or those that deal with Pompeii and the culture. The most famous perhaps is by renowned scholar Mary Beard: Fires of Vesuvius. This book is highly rated but it deals with the life of Pompeii and accords just a few pages to the actual tragedy(or what happened in those hours, on that day).
Get my drift? So any recommendations on non fiction works on Mt Vesuvius, the eruption and the tragedy.
I read a novel by Robert Harris called "Pompeii" which has the eruption as the centerpiece of the plot. The main character is the Roman engineer in charge of the aqueduct system who becomes aware of the impending disaster while investigating blockages in the water flow.
I read it six or seven years ago and my recollection is that it was quite good.
Pliny The Younger was a Roman historian, and he witnessed the eruption. In fact, if I remember correctly, his father, called (incredibly enough) Pliny The Elder, got into his boat and sailed toward Pompeii. The Elder Pliny died there, I believe.
At any rate, you should be able to find that account somewhere in the writings of Pliny The Younger.
I read a few books on Pompeii. It too, is an interest of mine to one day go! I read a book once that detailed the days before the Earthquake. I don't remember what it's called but many of Pompeii's citizens were given warning signs and refused to listen. Such as big earthquakes that dried up many streams and wells. There were psychics on the island as well that told them it was was going to be destroyed.
read a few books on Pompeii. It too, is an interest of mine to one day go
I'd like to get there as well and something tells me sooner or later. The conservators of Pompeii appear to be having some tough issues when they look at the continued integrity of some of the ruins. Buildings and walls are simply rotting away. I do know they're trying to stay on top of this and it's going to take a lot effort.
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