Rome as a Guide to the Good Life: A Philosophical Grand Tour
Scott Samuelson
(Author)
Description
A unique, portable guidebook that sketches Rome's great philosophical tradition while also providing an engaging travel companion to the city. This is a guidebook to Rome for those interested in both la dolce vita and what the ancient Romans called the vita beata--the good life. Philosopher Scott Samuelson offers a thinker's tour of the Eternal City, rooting ideas from this philosophical tradition within the geography of the city itself. As he introduces the city's great works of art and its most famous sites--the Colosseum, the Forum, the Campo de' Fiori--Samuelson also gets to the heart of the knotty ethical and emotional questions they pose. Practicing philosophy in place, Rome as a Guide to the Good Life tackles the profound questions that most tours of Rome only bracket. What does all this history tell us about who we are? In addition to being a thoughtful philosophical companion, Samuelson is also a memorable tour guide, taking us on plenty of detours and pausing to linger over an afternoon Negroni, sample four classic Roman pastas, or explore the city's best hidden gems. With Samuelson's help, we understand why Rome has inspired philosophers such as Lucretius and Seneca, poets and artists such as Horace and Caravaggio, filmmakers like Fellini, and adventurers like Rosa Bathurst. This eclectic guidebook to Roman philosophy is for intrepid wanderers and armchair travelers alike--anyone who wants not just a change of scenery, but a change of soul.
Product Details
Price
$20.00
$18.60
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Publish Date
April 24, 2023
Pages
272
Dimensions
5.7 X 8.2 X 1.1 inches | 0.85 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9780226780047
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Scott Samuelson lives in Iowa City, Iowa, where he is professor of philosophy at Kirkwood Community College. He has taught the humanities in universities, colleges, prisons, houses of worship, and bars. He has also worked as a movie reviewer, television host, and sous-chef at a French restaurant down a gravel road. He is the author of The Deepest Human Life and Seven Ways of Looking at Pointless Suffering, both published by the University of Chicago Press.
Reviews
"A delightful and immersive guide to the city of Rome and the philosophical tradition it embodies concerning the good life, or as we would say today, the meaning of life. Travelers seeking ancient wisdom among the city's famous buildings and works of art could ask for no better companion."-- "Donald Robertson, author of 'How to Think Like a Roman Emperor'"
"Rome as a Guide to the Good Life immerses us in glorious works of art and architecture. But in Rome, every aspect of life, from Raphael to food to gesticulation, is an art. Rather than guiding us through the labyrinth of the city's streets, Samuelson guides us through the labyrinth of life, more daunting than any streetscape."-- "Ingrid D. Rowland, author of 'Giordano Bruno' and 'The Collector of Lives'"
"In this elegantly written book, Samuelson takes us by the elbow and leads us to his favorite places and works of art in the Eternal City, spinning stories about their history, pointing out their beauties and contradictions, and reflecting on their philosophical meanings. Whether you travel to Rome with this book as your guide, or read it from the comfort of an armchair, Samuelson teaches us ancient lessons that can enrich our modern lives."-- "Lori Erickson, author of 'Holy Rover, ' 'Near the Exit, ' and 'The Soul of the Family Tree'"
"I have been a Roman for over half a century, but I'll be sure to use Samuelson's Guide the next time I visit my native city. I will look at it quite differently!"-- "Massimo Pigliucci, author of 'How to Be a Stoic'"
"Rome as a Guide to the Good Life immerses us in glorious works of art and architecture. But in Rome, every aspect of life, from Raphael to food to gesticulation, is an art. Rather than guiding us through the labyrinth of the city's streets, Samuelson guides us through the labyrinth of life, more daunting than any streetscape."-- "Ingrid D. Rowland, author of 'Giordano Bruno' and 'The Collector of Lives'"
"In this elegantly written book, Samuelson takes us by the elbow and leads us to his favorite places and works of art in the Eternal City, spinning stories about their history, pointing out their beauties and contradictions, and reflecting on their philosophical meanings. Whether you travel to Rome with this book as your guide, or read it from the comfort of an armchair, Samuelson teaches us ancient lessons that can enrich our modern lives."-- "Lori Erickson, author of 'Holy Rover, ' 'Near the Exit, ' and 'The Soul of the Family Tree'"
"I have been a Roman for over half a century, but I'll be sure to use Samuelson's Guide the next time I visit my native city. I will look at it quite differently!"-- "Massimo Pigliucci, author of 'How to Be a Stoic'"
