Georgina Masson (1912–1980)

Hands down, one of the best books on modern Rome that I've read. It's not your typical guidebook though. True, there are walks you can follow but there isn't any info on times, prices and other information related to access to sites. Instead you'll get in depth details on the architecture and history of all the marvelous things you may see on your walks--far more so than you could imagine getting out of Rick Steves or Fodors. Best of all, if you are a Rome lover, this book stands on its own show more as a work of literature that is accessible, interesting and pleasurable to read. show less

This is undoubtedly one of the best travel guides ever written. It's laid out almost like a novel, with each chapter encompassing a walk through a certain part of Rome. Georgina Masson acts as your personal guide, explaining what you see around you with refreshing literary panache. If you're going to Rome, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It genuinely does make the trip even better than it would otherwise be.

This was a matter of fact book, very little speculation about whether or not certain historical rumors were true. If you are looking for a straight recounting of the deeds of the Borgia family, this book will suit you. If you are looking for a shocking and sensational story about the infamous Borgias, wait for HBO to come out with a Borgia series.

I picked this up for a euro or so in a secondhand bookshop in order to while away a trip home on the train.

I definitely paid too much.

The narrative isn't strictly linear at times, a technique which you need to use really well if you're writing a biography, and Masson doesn't. She also comes to a number of conclusions about Christina's personality, sexuality and the vexed question about whether or not the queen was a lesbian which are misguided and, frankly, almost offensive to read about, show more especially placed as they are in an academic manner.

"Ah, but Siria," you may point out, "This book was written in 1968. They thought about such things differently then."

"Perhaps," I may reply, "But they had definitely heard of semicolons and the correct usage thereof. This was clearly copy-edited by an editor who enjoyed the Swinging Sixties a little too much, and who only took on this job in order to earn money to buy more Hemp-Based Products. And then subcontracted it to an illiterate chimpanzee who needed the money in order to fund his crack habit."

Avoid. show less