Psycho-history meets eco-history in this stunningly original study of an old hero's struggle to make the eternal city last. Daniel Pick illuminates the mind of Garibaldi, the making of modern Italy and the history of cities, health and civil engineering. Rome will never look or smell the same to me after reading this book.

'Engrossing. It brings new meaning to the old legends of Rome and Garibaldi.'

'A pioneering investigation of the final dilemmas of General Garibaldi, exploring the still largely uncharted boundaries between history, biography and psychology.'

'Fascinating, original and problematic.'

'A fascinating exploration of the perplexing character of the humble fisherman's son from Nice who became one of the greatest military heroes and mythical figures of the 19th century.'

'Daniel Pick tells the story of Garibaldi's failed Tiber venture with flair, mingling psychological speculation with biography and history.'

Incisive and entertaining.

So enjoyable to read

This well-researched, highly readable and occasionally highly witty account should become the new standard history of the Tory Party, and required reading for all MPs.

Lively and trenchant