25 April 2005. The British and Irish Delegation will be hosting a Reception to mark the pre-publication book launch of In the Shadows of Vesuvius: A Cultural History of Naples by Dr Jordan Lancaster. The reception will take place at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, 186-188 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 on Monday 25 April 2005 from 6.30-8.30 pm.
Dr Lancaster will give a short talk on her book which will be on sale during the evening. This will be followed by a reception held by courtesy of, and in the presence of, HE Mr Valentin Dobrev, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Court of St James’s, and hosted by HE Mr Anthony Bailey, Delegate of Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George in Great Britain & Ireland.
Naples finds its origins in Homer’s tale of Ulysses and the sirens. The city has long attracted visitors and foreign rulers, enticed not only by its commercial possibilities but also by the stunning beauty of its natural setting on the eponymous bay and the many cultural delights on offer, from the ruins of Pompeii to glittering performances at the San Carlo opera house. Naples was ruled by the Spanish, French, Austrians, and from 1734 by the Bourbon Two Sicilies dynasty before becoming part of unified Italy in 1861.
From the time of the Grand Tour, the city has attracted travellers, from Goethe to Nelson to Dickens to Neruda, all eager to experience its legendary and seductive charms. Dr Jordan Lancaster’s sparkling guide will serve as an ideal companion for visitors and as a valuable cultural resource for all those who seek to expand their knowledge of the City or proudly trace their roots to Naples.
The dress code will be lounge suit. (Members of the Constantinian Order and Royal Order of Francis I may wear their rosette). Invitations cost £20 per person. Invitations will be issued on a first come first served basis.
For more information please contact the Chancery on +44 (0) 20 7594 0275; Fax: +44 (0) 20 7594 0275; e-mail info@constantinian.org.uk. For more information on Dr Jordan Lancaster please visit www.jordanlancaster.co.uk & www.squaremilelanguages.co.uk