When in Rome by Robert J. Hutchinson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of When in Rome
Book Review: Missing the point, I think
Summary: 4 Stars
Some of the other reviewers, that is.I bought this book at the glorious Feltrinelli outlet by the Bargello in Florence on my way back to Rome for Easter Sunday. Sure, there are a few errors. But on the whole it's a fabulous book by a real Catholic who speaks for more than one of his fellow faithful in his lighthearted but respectful approach to the beautiful, colorful, and sometimes tedious history of the Catholic Church.
This book is for anyone who wants to know more than just the litany of architects who worked on St. Peter's or how many columns comprise Bernini's collonnade. This book is even more especially suited for those who make cursory, blanket statements about the hypocrisy of the church's wealth. The author jokes ironically about things like the Pope's tolerance for boredom (the "Beverly Hillbillies" joke so reviled by another reviewer) and the habits of a Gregorianum Latinist but puts a startlingly accurate picture of the modern Catholic attitude forward: whether they agree with him or not, Catholics have a certain fondness for this most recent Pope.
And Hutchinson is quite obviously in love with Italy. I think his comments on the lack of English in Italy were intended more to suggest the strange monolinguality of the Italians in comparison with the nationals of other European countries than to express a jingoistic annoyance that his own language wasn't commonly used. And as far as sexism goes . . . I think that's reading a bit too far into the text. There's nothing sexist about appreciating human beauty. The greatest writers go to great lengths to describe the beauty of people they encounter.
Altogether a fantastic book and a recommended read for anyone interested in the modern life of the Church's center.
Book Review: An excellent publication!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of the best I've read and is very informative about life inside Vatican City. Interspersed are excellent descriptions of various sites, including the Necropolis (City of the Dead). I am quite well-informed on Rome and I could not put this book down. It is No. 1 in my library of books on the subject of Rome!Book Review: Grande Nostaglia
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. I travelled to Italy in my teens several times with my Uncle who was a priest. We visited the Vatican often however there are some areas that I was not privy to during my Uncle's personalized tours of Rome. My Uncle was a linguist and flawless in Italian but he neglected to escort me to certain areas below St Peter's. These very trips I took with him endeared me to Italy and it's culture. If you remember experiencing il sciopero, Piazza Navona and gelato you will love this book.It makes you want to book a ticket a' Roma presto presto. This would be a pleasure to re- visit some places you have visited and some places you wish you visited during your student days. Godere.Book Review: Great for Students and (Slightly Irreverent) Pilgrims
Summary: 4 Stars
When in Rome offers a whimsical view of the Vatican and how it operates. I read it while traveling in Rome and it made my time at the Vatican even more rewarding. It's not a must, but if you want some light reading and are tired of fact heavy travel books, When in Rome is well worth its price.Book Review: Observations of a (temporary) Roman
Summary: 4 Stars
Living in Rome (I even work for the Vatican), I found the 1998 version (subtitled "An Unofficial Guide to the Vatican") a very pleasant read, with many of the same wry observations I myself have made on more than one occasion. The author provided me with an entertaining experience, and I was also inspired by his evident love of the Catholic Church, despite all the superficial evidence to the contrary. Although I have lived here for about a year and a half now, I learned some interesting tidbits about places I walk by every day, and laughed out loud on more than one page. The book is now making the rounds of all my American friends in Rome. In fact, I received it as a gift from another temporary Roman!