The Fires of Vesuvius - Mary Beard

I enjoyed reading this book. It reads a bit like a text book (not too dry) but Beard has included many good tidbits about how the Pompeians probably lived, worked, played, and worshiped. She discusses most of the important buildings, paintings, and other artifacts in great detail. The photos, figures, and color plates are excellent. She debunks many popular myths about the city.