Ashen Sky: The Letters of Pliny The Younger on the Eruption of Vesuvius

The text of Ashen Sky contains fascinating background information, including short biographical information about Tacitus, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. The letters of Pliny the Younger send the reader back to share the frightening experience of the eruption of Vesuvius with an eye witness in AD 79. But the value of the book is overwhelmingly the magnificent relief engravings of Barry Moser. The frightening scenes of not only the eruption but the effect on the people is presented with power in Mr. Moser's superb prints. He has the ability to set a mood and bring light from darkness in the most dramatic way and he does it so well here.

This book was all that it was advertized to be. It is a translation of two letters that Pliny the younger wrote to Taticus describing the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. The real interest of this book is not the translation so much as the "woodcut" illustrations by Barry Moser. This was an ideal medium to portray the dark and foreboding conditions that ensued during and after the eruption.There is enough introductory material included in the book to assist if the reader is not familiar with the history of this epic catastrophe. I enjoyed the text as well as the dramatic woodcut illustrations.

very enjoyable; well written. Wood cut illustrations were striking.

I bought this as an 'extra' book to help me in the final year of my Open University History BA.I had hoped that it would help with a particular assignment but sadly it didn't.Some interesting stuff though

If Pompeii intrigues you, be prepared to fall in love with this book. It's not just Pliny the Younger's letters, but the illustrations by Barry Moser that bring the disaster of Vesuvius to your living room. I recommend the hardback to really appreciate the pictures.

Illustrations beautiful, classic textx, thank you

I bought this book because the illustrations were done by Barry Moser. As always, his art does not disappoint. The brief text by Pliny is equally worthy of admiration.

perfecto

This was bought as a gift for a friend and I have not heard that anything is wrong only praise.