If I were promoting this book on the Eternal City, I’d say that from the very first moment one sets eyes on the enormous tome we are captured.

The cover shows a group of well-dressed men and women sitting in a kind of circle, talking and listening to each other. Some of them hold a cigarette in their fingers. By their posture it is an informal group. Behind them are pots and baskets of flowers and shrubs. The buildings in the rear are no more than two storeys high and appear to be orange coloured. It looks like sunset. And in the far distance is the magnificent dome of St Peter’s Basilica.

The back cover, black and white shows a cheeky pose by a well-known, beautiful movie star who, hand on hip, is smiling down at a well-dressed older man.

Probably the most captivating aspect of this book is the choice of colours. There are sepia photos, others in black and white, and once you start flicking through it you will find that every photo captures and holds your attention.

There is a mix of formality and informality, well-dressed people and those who are clearly poor, glamorous women and handsome men, ancient landmarks and stray cats on streets being fed by local women.