BOOK BRIEF

The Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny

Daisy Dunn
Guide cover placeholder

The Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2019

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Daisy Dunn

The Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Roman Empire • 1st Century

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny by Daisy Dunn explores the lives of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, depicting their contributions to Roman intellectual and natural history. The narrative intertwines Pliny the Elder's encyclopedic endeavors with Pliny the Younger's correspondences, set against the dramatic backdrop of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Informative

Mysterious

Contemplative

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

3.8

746 ratings

63%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Daisy Dunn's The Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny offers a vivid portrayal of Pliny the Younger, weaving history and biography skillfully. Praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, the book occasionally suffers from dense detail that may overwhelm. Overall, it captivates with its insightful exploration of Roman life.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Shadow of Vesuvius: A Life of Pliny?

A reader intrigued by ancient Rome and figures like Pliny would enjoy The Shadow of Vesuvius. Fans of Mary Beard's SPQR or Robert Harris' historical fiction would appreciate its blend of history and biography, exploring cultural insights and historical events through vivid storytelling.

3.8

746 ratings

63%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Roman Empire • 1st Century

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!