Volcanic

Vesuvius in the Age of Revolutions

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Volcanic

By: John Brewer

Narrated by: Mike Cooper

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About this listen

A vibrant, diverse history of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples in the age of Romanticism

Vesuvius is best known for its disastrous eruption of 79CE. But only after 1738, in the age of Enlightenment, did the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii reveal its full extent. In an era of groundbreaking scientific endeavor and violent revolution, Vesuvius became a focal point of strong emotions and political aspirations, an object of geological enquiry, and a powerful symbol of the Romantic obsession with nature.

John Brewer charts the changing seismic and social dynamics of the mountain, and the meanings attached by travelers to their sublime confrontation with nature. The pyrotechnics of revolution and global warfare made volcanic activity the perfect political metaphor, fueling revolutionary enthusiasm and conservative trepidation. From Swiss mercenaries to English entrepreneurs, French geologists to local Neapolitan guides, German painters to Scottish doctors, Vesuvius bubbled and seethed not just with lava, but with people whose passions, interests, and aims were as disparate as their origins.

Europe

Great Britain

Italy

Most relevant

a multitude of actors that I might confuse but very worthwhile. makes me want to return to Naples

wide range of subjects - people, geology, history & influence on science and culture

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