Leuven: Peeters, 2000. First edition (presumed; no earlier dates stated). Small black color illus octavo, 164 pages, chiefly b&w illustrations (some color), maps (some color), 20 cm. Extremely mild rubbing to spine head and foot, pale soiling to fore-edges, else near fine(+). Paperback. ISBN: 9042908572"In this book, readers are taken on an underground tour by one of the world's foremost specialists in catacomb archaeology. In addition to providing practical information for those wishing to enter the catacombs as visitors or pilgrims, this book explains how recent archaeological discoveries in the catacombs of Rome have changed (and continue to change) our understanding of how Rome's early Christian community expressed its faith while coping with the realities of everyday life. This book is essential for all those wishing to possess an up-to-date manual on why the early Christian and the Jewish catacombs of Rome were excavated, on how early Christian art originated, and on why the catacombs occupy a place of such central importance in the celebrations surrounding the year 2000"--Jacket. No DJ. Contents: The discovery of the catacombs -- The archaeology of the catacombs -- The art of the catacombs -- Guide to the catacombs open to the public -- Appendix: I. The Jewish catacombs -- II. The inscriptions. Catacombs -- Italy -- Rome.
