"A splendid work of historical archaeology. . . . Mr. Brewer writes as a literary and art critic as well as a historian--and he writes beautifully."--Jeffrey Collins, Wall Street Journal

"[An] endlessly fascinating microhistory. . . . [Brewer's] baroque prose is perfectly apt for his romantic subjects, all of whom were obsessed with the sublime."--Pratinav Anil, Times (UK)

"Brewer offers a series of lively pen portraits, interspersed with sociological sketches and glimpses of politics, science, painting, antiquarianism and more. . . . An extremely learned and companionable guide."--Seamus Perry, Literary Review

Listed in New Statesman's Best Books of the Academic Presses, 2023

"This is an exceptional book, a master class of historical writing, imagination and insight."--John A. Davis, author of Naples and Napoleon

"Vesuvius was a dramatic natural curiosity few travellers engaged in the Grand Tour could resist. By tracing the steps of visitors, guides and naturalists, Brewer writes a fascinating history of marvel and knowledge, strong emotions and leisure."--Pietro Corsi, author of Science and Religion

"In Volcanic, John Brewer animates the Vesuvius of the Romantic era, from the tourist throngs and guides who made the volcano their business, to the movers, shakers, savants and scientists whose works and lives intersected around this grand, natural laboratory. This is a rich, entertaining and illuminating account of the cultural milieu of continental Europe's liveliest volcano."--David Pyle, author of Volcano: Encounters Through the Ages

"In this magnetic, densely populated, account of Vesuvius, Brewer moves at ease between the intensely close-focus and the universal. The volcano, nerve-wracking yet thrilling in its unpredictability, mesmerised individuals and even mirrored political reverberations in Europe and beyond. Brewer has captured Vesuvius in its Romantic entirety: he has written a remarkable book."--Gillian Darley, author of Vesuvius: The Most Famous Volcano in the World