Customer Reviews: Read 14 more reviews...
 See how Romans built an Empire.... August 3, 2008
A book, for children and adults, shows us how a Roman city was built, from the ground up. First they make a plan, deciding on how many people will live in the city, where the forums will go, the roads, the walls, the markets, theater, amphitheater and temples. They bring the stone to make the walls and aqueducts. We see how people live in the city, as the book explores the homes, businesses, public spaces and sewer system. We get to see the final, complete, form of the city, full of busy streets, crowded markets, happy homes and tall walls.
 A great introductory book in Roman city stucture. May 26, 2008
I ordered this book for the purpose of understanding Roman constuction of a city. It is definitely an excellent source for those who wish to know how Rome may have organized it's sattelite cities. The books is concise and filled with illustrations to aid the reader in imagining what a Grand scheme a Roman Engineered city must have been (especially considering what setbacks in civilization would come later through the middle ages).
I really enjoyed this book, the only setback I have with it is that it is maybe too good at summarizing it's subject. It is a brief read, more belonging to the non-fiction section of a 'Young Adults' library than a history loving 'Adult'. It is a little...sanitized in Roman Rule, and skirts around the visciousness of Italy. One would be inclined to believe the Romans were peaceful while reading this, and forget that they were a civilization bent on subjugaition of foreign lands, and brutal in justice for all citizens. That is the only reason I hold back 1 star; there is much more that could be told, and considering the excellent detail the rest of the book gives, it could have abbreviated LESS in it's timeline, and the reader would have been much more in debt to the author for having done so. I want MORE!
A very good source of Roman city information. Well recommended.
Another great David Macaulay book June 5, 2007
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5 is that David Macaulay has set the bar so high for himself over the years by writing and illustrating some real masterpieces such as Castle and Cathedral. City is also a great book, just not quite as amazing as others he has written. I bought this for my son, who has always been intrigued by construction projects, but I have also enjoyed it quite a bit.
Roman Architecture Explained: Fascinating! May 31, 2007
In this book, David Macaulay expertly describes and illustrates the construction of the imaginary Roman city of Verbonia. It is based hundreds of real Roman cities built between 300 B.C. and A.D. 150. I was amazed at the planning that went into the city, and the systematic and precise manner that everything was managed. I was fascinated to learn how they built the aqueducts for the city's water supply, even going through hills, and the sewer system underground to keep the city sanitary. The architecture of the forum and baths was so intriguing. Of course, this might be expected from the author of "The Way Things Work"! His detailed drawings are fabulous. This a terrific book for learning about Roman cities in this time period and for studying the way the cities were put together to provide for all the needs of the inhabitants.
How Romans Built May 1, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
When taken together as a collection, Macaulay's books, from Castle and Cathedral and Pyramid, Mill, Unbuilding, Mosque, and most definitely this one, City, create what is probably the most readable, retainable, and approachable exploration of the story of architecture that's out there. These books, each highlighting an era and a project, are all a lot of fun to look at, read, and think about, and in this volume, City, the foundation and construction of a Roman population center is detailed. From the explanation for why the Romans built cities from scratch, to the selection and preparation of the site, to the actual erection of a brand new city, Macaulay leaves nothing unexplored or unexplained. These books are as enjoyable for adults as they are for children, and are truly classics of our time.
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