Not Built in a Day: Exploring the Architecture of Rome

by George H. Sullivan

Book Overview

Not Built in a Day: Exploring the Architecture of Rome is a unique, unconventional guide and a deeply felt homage to Rome and its extraordinary 2,500-year history. Moving beyond the names, dates, and statistics of ordinary guidebooks, George Sullivan's eye-opening essays celebrate the special character of Rome's buildings, fountains, piazzas, streets, and ruins. From the largest landmark down to the smallest hidden gem, Not Built in a Day...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786717491
• ISBN13: 9780786717491
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Not Built in a Day: Exploring the Architecture of Rome

This remarkable book is a must read if you are planning your own itinerary in Rome. The author's love of Rome and its Architecture are apparent from the first page. He organizes the overwhelming amount of information into compact and readable units. Pick a time period or Architectural style of interest and follow the detailed path laid out by the author. The added information of the art to see inside each structure makes this the only "guide" book to Art & Architecture that you will need on your visit to Rome.

What every guidebook should be

Not Build in a Day blends astute architectural observation with basic guidebook practicality. The descriptions combine detail and relevant explanation to make the most lay-person feel expert as they dissect the infinite elements in a church, piazza, or palazzo. For anyone who's been to Rome, the inexorable shuttling between sites makes you numb to the city's splendor, but Not Built in a Day constantly re-orients and reminds the reader that every site contains an element of architectural, historical, or civic wonder that makes the non-stop walking completely worthwhile. The book's walking tours can be strictly followed (I completed tours 1,2, and 7 without any diversions), but once I had a better feel for the city, I picked specific places that I wanted to see and then read the appropriate entry. Every guidebook should aspire to be Not Built in a Day

A superb guide to Rome

This is a well written and well organized guide to Rome. I found Mr.Sullivan's book to be both educational and extremely enjoyable. This book contributed to four fascinating days in Rome last September, and I would not consider going back to Rome without it. There were so many times that the text helped me to notice things that I would have otherwise overlooked. I hlghly recommend this guide.

From Amos Elon

This memorable, witty and discerning new guide to Rome -- a city caught "like an old man" in memories, delusions and dreams --evokes the special character, history and attraction of the marvelous piazzas along with the ancient, renaissance and baroque palazzos. Sophisticated and informative, it sharpens your eye and mind; it is what lovers of Rome have been waiting for. Don't miss it for your next to Rome.... Amos Elon

New Architectural Guide to Rome

I found Mr Sullivan's book to be an insightful and elegant analysis of the architecture of Rome. It is an excellent guide for both on-site visits and for savoring after your trip. This is one of the best books that I have read on Rome.