Hi,
Any suggestions for books to read to let's say enhance a trip to Rome. For example, before a trip to Barcelona I read 'Barcelona' by Robert Hughes. I'm looking for suggestions in all genres.
Thanks.

Well, Ill start but I know you will receive many suggestions.

The one book that prepared me most for the Sistine Chapel was "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling" by Ross King. It helped me appreciate not only what and how Michelangelo painted the ceiling, but the atmosphere under which it was done.

On a lighter note, I read all of the Falco series by Lindsay Davis. This is a series of light-reading, mystery novels set in the 70's AD. I liked them because not only are they entertaining, but the entire area of the Forum is the everyday environment for the characters. It really made the area live for me.

Also, I would suggest that you search here for the Forum walking tours and other threads by ParadiseLost. Even if you do not follow his walking tour exactly, he shares great knowledge and insight on the buildings, history and general lifestyle of the people involved. Really excellent background information.

A recent thread on the same topic
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35118309

For mysteries, David Hewson's are good.
Some of Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen mysteries are set partly in Rome (Vendetta, Cabal)
Iain Pears writes art history mysteries set in Rome (none, unfortunately, as good as An Instance of the Fingerpost)

I am finally reading the Agony and the Ecstasy, a biographical novel about Michelangelo. I'm only about a quarter of the way through (it's long!), but i am finding it completely fascinating. I highly recommend it.

Rent the DVD HBO series "Rome".I am sure there is much license taken with historical accuracy but it really is fun to watch.There is season 1 and 2 with each DVD having 2 episodes.I think there is 6 DVD"s in each season.

PS. This series is not suitable for children.

The old BBC series of I Claudius with Derek Jacobi is excellent

H. V. Morton's books are really good.
Kate Simon's books are good.
Blue Guides are good.

Try The Smiles of Rome - a literary companion for Readers and Travelers (edited by Susan Cahill).

I second the Agony and Ecstacy... read it while in Italy last year... wow.

A wonderful book about a young American family living in Rome .... Four Seasons in Rome by Anthon Doerr. The blurb summarizes it as something like - twins, insomnia and the biggest funeral in the history of the world. Magic reading.

Re the recommendation for the BBC TV series. You can buy the books: "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God" by Robert Graves. Both are a great read.

Londonres--I completely agree about reading the Robert Graves novels. These are recommended on the earlier thread I referenced. They are probably my favorite historical novels. And I think the BBC version was my favorite Masterpiece Theater series.

Roma by Steven Saylor. Everything you need to know about ancient Rome but in an excellent, enjoyable readable (historical fiction) format.