In City, David Macaulay introduces readers to the fascinating world of Ancient Roman architecture and engineering, combining straightforward text and black and white illustrations to tell the story of a city’s creation. While the Roman city of Verbonia is imaginary, its planning and construction are based on those of the hundreds of Roman cities founded between 300 B.C. and 150 A.D.

 

From the process of selecting the ideal site on which to build, Macaulay moves through each phase of the process. “Engineering, architectural and human details enliven a tour of the completed city—the water supply and drainage system, the forum and central market, the homes of a merchant and a craftsman, the theatre, the public baths” and much more are intricately imagined, illustrated, and explained (Kirkus).