Scenes from a Roman Century

‘David Lane brings Rome’s twentieth century brilliantly to life through the people who made history there, from Mussolini to his murdered opponent Matteotti, from Fellini to Tennessee Williams, from Ottorino Respighi to an array of political rogues.’ -- <b>Bill Emmott, former editor of <i>The Economist</i>, and author of <i>Good Italy, Bad Italy</i></b> ‘With skilful telling of people and places, Lane offers an engaging, personal portrait of Rome in the Fascist and post-1945 eras. The weaving in of the unfamiliar and unexpected only adds further appeal to this distinctive history of the city.’ -- <b>Peter J. Williamson, author of <i>Duce: The Contradictions of Power</i></b> ‘David Lane guides readers through the grime and glamour of Rome’s momentous past century with a narrative as captivating as the Eternal City’s storied streets and historic monuments, now facing the threat of over-tourism.’ -- <b>Mario Erasmo, author of <i>Strolling Through Rome: The Definitive Walking Guide to the Eternal City</i></b> ‘Scenes of a Roman Century immediately made me reflect on my own experiences in beguiling Rome, a city with layers of history so thick that there’s a relentless feeling that so much is yet to be discovered. This beautifully vivid journey through its streets fills some of that gap, recounting 100 years of horrors and joys that have left their mark.’ -- <b>Angela Giuffrida, Rome Correspondent, <i>The Guardian</i></b> ‘Adroitly picks out the momentous moments of a century of Italian history. Lane graphically dissects the fascist “ventennio”, highlighting the murder of the left-wing opposition leader Giacomo Matteotti, and covers the glamour years of Italian film in compellingly affectionate detail. His thoughtful description of political terrorism, from left and right, in the “years of lead” is painted in vivid, memorable colours.’ -- <b>Ivor Roberts, author, diplomat and former president of Trinity College, University of Oxford</b>