ROME-One of the most prestigious resting places in Italy, the Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome is best known for then 19th century English poets John Keats' and Percy Bysshe Shelley's graves.

 But eminent nationals of many other countries lie there, including Italian political leader Antonio Gramsci, Norwegian-American sculptor Hendrik C. Andersen (the Andersen Museum in the Villa Borghese Park is dedicated to his work), English writer Richard Mason (author of "The World of Suzie Wong"), the British film actress Belinda Lee, Russian fashion designer Irene Galitzine, members of the Greek Bulgari jewellers' family and the German heiress Henriette Hertz, who donated her palace at Trinità dei Monti to found the prestigious Herziana Library (now known as the Max Planck Institute of Art History), to mention just a few.

 The cemetery is also noted for its many works of art. In particular, the 1894 "Angel of Grief", carved by American sculptor William Wetmore Story in memory of his wife, has been copied many times and has featured on the cover of popular music albums.

 Three centuries of history are skilfully recounted in this new book by historian Nicholas Stanley-Page. The author sheds light on many little known aspects of this unique site – its foundation on unconsecrated land outside the city walls to contain the remains of non-Catholic foreigners, like Protestant members of the exiled Stuart court in Rome and aristocrats who died during their Grand Tour, insights into the lives and personalities of many of the people buried there, the difficulties of maintenance and restoration and its present management organization.

The book is on sale at the cemetery and in the English-language book stores in Rome at the price of €18. All proceeds go directly to the cemetery.

The Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome – its history, its people and its survival for three hundred years, by Nicholas Stanley-Price, published by the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome, 2014. 155 pp.