Roman Passions: A History of Pleasure in Imperial Rome

Ray Laurence brings an eye-opening and engaging approach to the Roman emperors and their subjects.

1: Introduction - Roman Passions 2: Into the World of Roman Pleasure 3: The Emperor's Pleasures 4: The Aesthetics of the City 5: A Little Place in the Country 6: The Roman Body at the Baths 7: Roman Erotics 8: Dining 9: Food and Wine 10: A Great Song and Dance 11: Violence 12: Collectors and Collections 13: Pleasure transforms Roman culture \ Timeline \ Glossary of terms \ Further Reading \ Bibliography \ Index

"What's not to like about a guidebook through the consumerist wonderland of ancient Rome, a breezy tour of conspicuous living, lavish dining, mass spectacle, and, of course, sex? ... The book provides general readers with an engaging introduction to early Roman social history. Summing up: Highly recommended."CHOICE
'Really quite rude, quite often - I'm enjoying that hugely! ... Just what you need really to help you drift peacefully off to sleep' - Lindsey Davis's 'Bedtime Read', The Book Show, Sky Arts
'It is all here: emperors' luxurious lifestyles, magnificent urban architecture, grand country villas, baths, sex, food, drink, the theatre, games (especially violent ones) and collecting and displaying rarities ... Commendably detailed.' - Peter Jones, BBC History Magazine
'A detailed exposition of the world of late Roman culture.'