Cooley's is the first comprehensive overview of the history of the Pompeii excavations, and the discussion of the casual explorations of the site that seem to have occurred prior to the official beginning in the mid-18th century presents material that few of us have ever examined.

New England Classical Journal

This book is a thought-provoking addition to the growing number of books on Pompeii and will be of great interest to professionals and amateurs alike, and especially invaluable to historians, who rely in great part upon the archaeological record.

Bryn Mawr Classical Review

A valuable and timely consideration of the often overlooked history of the excavations and an examination of the factors that influence modern perceptions of the site.

The Journal of Roman Studies

A book that provides an important summary of key periods of excavation, and will prove a very useful addition for the teaching of Pompeii in schools and at university.

The Classical Review