The Smiles of Rome

March 1, 2005
Collecting the essays, stories and poems of great writers from both the ancient and modern worlds, this volume offers an intoxicating and often heartbreaking tribute to the elusive power of the eternal city. "Rome does not need to make culture," Federico Fellini states in a conversation reproduced here, "It is culture." Edith Wharton assuaged her loneliness in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, and Nathaniel Hawthorne conceded, "Rome certainly does draw into itself my heart." Turning an already stellar selection of writings into a practical guide for the literary-minded, editor Cahill then extracts from each piece the places mentioned and provides updated information (including addresses, phone numbers and nearby dining suggestions) for the traveler who wishes to retrace the steps of Goethe and St. Paul, among others. Through these pages, the city lives, breathes and seduces. How can one go wrong with Ovid's instructive and witty "The Art of Love" or John Updike's "Twin Beds in Rome," a bracing short story of a couple haunted by the city's ghosts as well as their own? "Rome is surely the most beautiful city in Italy, if not the world," wrote Pier Paolo Pasolini. "But it is also the most ugly, the most welcoming, the most dramatic, the richest, the most wretched." This dichotomy has bewitched people for centuries, whether they be icons of literature or not, and those who haven't visited Rome may find themselves planning their own trip after perusing this vibrant collection.

February 1, 2005
Cahill (Desiring Italy) has edited an eclectic assemblage of writings on the Eternal City. The selections represent several genres and come from authors as diverse as Michelangelo, Muriel Spark, Robert Browning, Sigmund Freud, Edith Wharton, Federico Fellini, and Saints Peter and Paul. Each chapter, which may be read on its own, begins with information on the writer's background and ends with Cahill's suggestions for related walks and dining venues. Those whose travels are limited to the armchair may wish to move on at this stage, while actual tourists will want to linger on Cahill's recommendations. Cahill admits in her introduction that there are more practical travel guides to Rome and so makes recommendations for additional sources of information. Practical or not, this collection-imbued with a deep affection for Rome from all involved-is a wonderful reading experience for all those interested in this ancient city, whether they are planning a visit or not. Recommended for all libraries.-Rita Simmons, Sterling Heights P.L., MI

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2005
Travel to Italy is one of life's sublime experiences. Just ask--actually, " read--"these many and varied individuals who give their impressions of Italy. Editor Cahill has culled excerpts from travel narratives, fictionalized accounts, and even poetry and an interview for a rich feast of words about travel to, specifically, the Italian capital. Rome has piqued the interest of, and prompted the recording of acute reactions from, the classic Italian poet Ovid, Anglo-Irish novelist Elizabeth Bowen, director Federico Fellini, and even Freud (who writes a curious critique on Michelangelo's statue of Moses), among other writers and thinkers. Each writer is introduced with a brief background sketch, and at the end of each piece, Cahill gives information on visiting the particular sites the author has discussed. A welcome addition to the travel-literature collection.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)