This is Rome
DESCRIPTION
Like the other Sasek classics, this is a facsimile edition of the original book. The brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved, remaining true to his vision more than 40 years later. Facts have been updated for the 21st-century, appearing on a "This is . . . Today" page at the back of the book. These charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek's witty, playful narrative, make for a perfect souvenir that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember the series from their own childhoods. This is Rome, first published in 1960, traces the history of Roman civilization to bring to life the Rome of the 60's. Sasek navigates Rome's busy, winding streets to visit such glorious historical landmarks as the statues of Michelangelo, Vatican City, the Pantheon, and the Fontana di Trevi-and to show us the eccentricities of modern Roman life, from its colorful trains, trams, and taxis to its chic espresso bars and pasta houses.
INFO
Miroslav Šašek (November 18, 1916, Prague – May 28, 1980, Wettingen, Switzerland) was a Czech émigré author and illustrator, best known for a series of books for children, originally published by W.H. Allen, titled This Is..., which he signed M. Sasek.
Šašek's family background was in milling: the family operated the "Lucký mlýn" mill at Chodovlice in northwest Bohemia. His father worked as an insurance agent to the south of Prague in Sedlčany, but died in 1926, after which he moved with his mother to Prague. In 1947 Miroslav Šašek moved with his wife Jindřiška (née Tumlířová) to Paris and started studying at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. He finished the illustrations for the Czech edition of Gabriel Chevallier's novel Clochemerle (as Zvonokosy) and started preparatory work on drawings for a tourist guide for the city for the Czech publishing house Ladislav Kuncíř. He worked as a producer for Radio Free Europe in Munich from 1951 to 1957. This Is Paris appeared in 1959, starting what ultimately grew into a series of eighteen books. Šašek's This Is London received the New York Times Choice of Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year in 1959, as did This Is New York in 1960. This Is New York also received the Boy's Club of America Junior Books Award in 1961, while This Is the United Nations appeared on the International Board on Books for Young People Honor List in 1979. In addition to texts and illustrations, Miroslav Šašek is the author of book covers and graphic design of many books both in the Czechia and other countries. Before his death, Miroslav Šašek lived in Paris. He died in Wettingen, Switzerland, near Zürich, where he lived with his sister.
