THE DESTRUCTION OF POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM: A Day that Made History Series

A discussion of historical evidence and the methods of archeology, together with descriptions of the paintings, shops and hotels, and daily lives of the Pompeians (complete with a sample of graffiti that translates as ""Everyone writes on walls except me""). Moving details of the harrowing last day are vividly rendered, with a reminder that this terrible tragedy has ""preserved these beautiful towns and. . .has given us a unique and infinitely pleasurable contact with our ancient ancestors."" Though the text strives to reach its audience (gladiators are compared to ""pop stars"") and the rather unclear photos manage to suggest the powerful draw of antiquities still to be excavated, this falls far short of Ron and Nancy Goof's splendid verbal and photographic evocation, Pompeii. The bibliography refers to British publications that may not be available here. Index.