In the second half of the 18th century, the eruptions of Vesuvius were one of the great tourist attractions of Europe. The expert on the scene was the British ambassador to Naples, Sir William Hamilton, a quintessential man of the Enlightenment. Through his fascination with the volcano and his unconventional second marriage to the beautiful Emma Hart, Hamilton's life became caught up in the passions and conflicts of the dawning Romantic era.

Content last updated: 17/06/2003

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