Rome

Essential baggage for a Roman holiday. -- John Harding Daily Mail in this Herculean undertaking, Hughes has captured much of the true spirit of Rome: the aspiration to great achievement despite obstacles, setbacks or failures PROSPECT Hughes proves an entertaining and erudite guide. He is an impeccable raconteur, commanding, self-confident, witty -- Alastair Sooke DAILY TELEGRAPH the book's muscle and sinew lie in Hughes's supremely eloquent vingnettes of churches and palaces, statues and paintings - evocations of art and place crafted with all the swagger and savour of a critic who can make his readers see, and feel, afresh...He never disappoints -- Boyd Tonkin THE INDEPENDENT No one can nail a painting like Hughes -- Rachel Spence FINANCIAL TIMES this is the work of un maestro -- Christopher Bray WORD I would read Mr Hughes's book if I were going to Rome. I'd read it if I weren't going to Rome. You could read it instead of going to Rome, though given the choice, I'd choose Rome. Reading the book is like being taken around the Eternal City on a long brisk march by an entertaining, erudite acquaintance with a gift for storytelling and the oddly rare ability to describe what something actually looks like. -- Francine Prose INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE This isn't an upmarket Rough Guide for American tourists, it's an award-winning broadcaster on top form. -- Sue Arnold THE GUARDIAN