Rome as a Guide to the Good Life - by Scott Samuelson (Paperback)

About the Book

"The Eternal City, Rome offers endless insights through its millennia of history, its centrality to European art and religion, and the generations of travelers that have sought it out. This book from philosopher Scott Samuelson offers readers a thinker's tour of Rome. Samuelson shows how people have made sense of Rome as a scene of human nature and then envisioned the good life-philosophers such as Lucretius and Seneca, but also poets and artists such as Horace and Caravaggio, filmmakers like Fellini, and adventurers like Rosa Bathurst. He roots these explorations and visions in the city of Rome itself: Samuelson introduces us to some of the most famous sites in Rome (such as the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Campo de Fiori) by sharing illuminating moments in their histories; and he discusses great works of art to be found in Rome (such as Caravaggio's David with the Head of Goliath) by getting to the heart of the knotty ethical and emotional questions they pose. And, practicing philosophy in place, he tackles head-on the profound questions that most tours of Rome only bracket: What does it mean to see the Forum through the eyes of Cicero? Does all this art about God really signify anything? Should visitors really be impressed by these incredible sites built on the slaughter and domination of others? What does all this history tell us about who we are? And, most important, how can an afternoon Negroni help us find the good life? Samuelson's aim is to provide an eclectic guide to Rome and happiness-a portable approach, blending history and philosophy, for tourists and dreaming readers alike"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"As he leads us through the city, Samuelson introduces the largest philosophical questions and shares what the legacy of Roman culture has to teach us by way of answer. The result is an erudite guide to the city's heritage that offers eloquent instruction on how to conduct ourselves and make meaning in the face of life's enduring uncertainties."​--James Mustich "In the Company of Books newsletter"

"A breezy and eclectic tour of the Eternal City in which [Samuelson] introduces readers to both physical and philosophical delights."-- "WORLD"

"The book stands out in its dual appreciation for Rome as a locus for the sweet life and the life of the mind. . . . The author's wit, enthusiasm, and willingness to turn his head and squint his eyes while looking at what seemingly has been picked over by centuries of cicerones makes reading Rome as a Guide like being on the most engaging of walking tours."-- "ClassicalEd Review"

"A stimulating, thoroughly readable mix. . . For the seasoned Romanist as well as a first-time visitor, this is an excellent vade mecum for our times. All will read it with profit and enlightenment: it will certainly accompany my next trip."--Sir Michael Fallon "Classics for All"

"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'"

"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'"

"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'"

"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'"

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.