Passage Through Hell: Modern Descents, Medieval Underworlds Book

This is a lovely book with high production values that suit its subject admirably. It describes the physical and material world of the Roman empire as it appeared, smelled, felt and tasted to the Romans who lived then. It covers a period from the end of the Republic to about midway through the Principate and is nicely sited within the sources.

Dalby says in his introduction that he intended the book as a companion to reading the original literature and sources, and to that extent it works admirably. It really gives a sense of the sensuality of the Roman world: roses, cinnamon oil, juicy peaches.

Well worth a read if you're either studying classical antiquity or are simply interested in the look, feel, smell and touch of the Roman world.