Ravenna in Late Antiquity

Deborah Mauskopf Deliyannis' text looks in depth at the renowned architecture of Ravenna from late antiquity - the 'mausoleum' of Galla Placidia, tomb of Theoderic, the churches of Saint' Apollinaire Nuovo, San Vitale, Saint' Apollinaire in Classe, and the Orthodoc and Arian baptistries as well as some lesser known structures and even considers some which have mostly or completely disappeared. Rather than being merely descriptive, the analysis of decoration attempts to speculate on the possible Orthodox or Arian significance in the respective locations. It becomes clear from this book that considerable restoration has been applied to much of the frescos and mosaics. The text is largely accessible although some of the architectural terminology will only be understood by those with some knowledge of the subject and is not always explained and there is no glossary. In the age of the interweb it's not hard to look up these things, but it breaks the flow of one's reading.The main focus on architecture is well supported by substantial chapters detailing the history of the period c. 400-800 with particular reference to Ravenna itself. Sadly the colour plates are relatively few in number and not particularly large, being mostly two to a page, giving the feel of a book from the 1970's in this respect, and many photographs of the mosaics are taken at ground level although there are some which have clearly been shot from a raised platform, so I don't know why they could not all have been. The ideal book would have had more colour plates and larger ones too - one to a page. Is the economics of colour plates really such an issue in this day and age? There are a fair few monochrome photographs and plans within the text itself.

I took this book with me to Ravenna. The mosaics there from the fifth and sixth centuries AD form the most astonishing sights that a traveller could hope to see in Europe.The author puts them and the ancient buildings they adorn in historical context.There are illustrations and diagrams.I read the relevant pages before and after visiting the half dozen or so principal sites in Ravenna, all of which are easily reached on foot.Deborah Mauskopf Deliyannis helped make it an unforgettable experience.

Great book - a model for art and architectural history. I recommend this as it is well written, factual, and waffle free. It is comprehensive for a first time viewing of the art treasures of ancient Ravenna.

There is a dearth of English language texts about Ravenna. This book attempts to fill the gap- and succeeds magnificently. I borrowed this book from a library, renewed it several times so both my husband and I could read it and finally bought our own copy despite the daunting price of £64!!Thoroughly recommended.

While planning my holiday in Ravenna, I searched the internet for a guide book and was astonished to find that there isn't one! Fortunately, Professor Deliyannis' book fits the bill perfectly. My main aim in visiting Ravenna is to look at its late antique churches and other monuments. Each of these is discussed in detail by Prof Deliyannis and they are placed within the context of an easy-to-follow narrative, which outlines late Roman history in so far as it affected Ravenna. The style is excellent throughout, and Prof Deliyannis summarises the key scholarly debates in an informative and even-handed way. One of the other reviewers mentions a very expensive book translated from Italian which has far more pictures: this may appeal to some, but I feel that Prof Deliyannis' book is, for a scholarly work, very handsomely produced and a pleasure to hold. Another reviewer comments on Professor Deliyannis' use of architectural language without a glossary: I think there is some justice in this, but I would repeat that this book is very accessible for a scholarly work. Perhaps Prof Deliyannis would consider producing an abridged version, with less text and more pictures, for tourist use? There is still a gap in the market.

I found this book readable, it is informative and academic without being dry and stilted. The only drawback is that the illustrations, though well chosen and well presented, are too few; I assume that this is because of publishing restrictions, including cost.I have visited Ravenna and own the tourist guide so that makes up the difference, I wish that I had read the book before visiting! By providing this comprehensive survey including the historical background, the author has provided a service and it is well worth buying for anyone with an interest in the history of the city and the period and doubly so for anyone intending to visit.