The Appian Way

To walk on remnants of the storied Appian Way today, from Rome to the heel of Italy, is to walk in the footsteps of ghosts. Our guide to those ghosts-and the layers of history they represent-is Robert A. Kaster. In The Appian Way, he brings a lifetime of studying Roman literature and history to his adventures along the ancient highway. A footsore Roman soldier pushing the imperial power south; craftsmen and farmers bringing their goods to the towns that lined the road; pious pilgrims headed to Jerusalem-all come to life once more as Kaster travels what's left of the Appian Way. He invites us to close our eyes and trek with him back in time, to the campaigns of Garibaldi, the revolt of Spartacus, and the glory days of Imperial Rome. No traveler will want to miss this fascinating journey.