A desk in Rome – Patrick Smith

R90.00

Short description

Memoir about people and ceremonies that defined Rome in the 1950s and 60s

In stock

Cart Fillers

Condition: Dust jacket has some tears on edges but book itself in very good condition. Please see images.

253 Pages, Hardback

22x15x3cm

1974 memoir by Patrick Smith (1915–2003), who served as a BBC foreign correspondent in Rome for roughly 15 years.

While it covers significant historical moments like the Vatican Council, the book is often described as a personal memoir filled with anecdotes about the people and ceremonies that defined Rome in the 1950s and 60s
The book provides a firsthand account of the major social, political, and religious events he witnessed during his tenure, including:
  • Vatican Events: Extensive descriptions of his interactions with the Roman Catholic Church, including meetings with various popes (such as Pius XII and John XXIII) and cardinals.
  • Italian Politics: Recounts of debates in the Italian Parliament, such as the controversial discussions regarding the busts of Mussolini.
  • Social Issues: Observations on social work and the influence of the Mafia during the mid-20th century.
  • Historical Anecdotes: Personal stories ranging from the serious to the humorous, such as the time Pope Pius XII reportedly had a “vision” that was actually attributed to an incorrect prescription from his oculist.

looking for a specific book?

Your Literary Treasure Hunt

We’ve all had that feeling: the memory of a beloved childhood book, a title mentioned in passing that you can’t get out of your head, or an out-of-print gem that seems to have vanished completely.

The search for a specific book can feel like a quest, and we want to be your trusted guide.

The Curiosity Cove is our special book-sourcing service, born from a passion for connecting readers with the exact stories they seek. If there’s a book your heart is set on but you can’t find it in our collection, don’t give up. Let us join the hunt

Currency Switcher

[wcc_switcher]