A pigeon carrying an important message takes the reader on a unique tour through Rome. As we follow the path of this somewhat wayward bird, we discover that Rome is a place where past and present live side by side. It is a city that has been recycling itself for two thousand years, but unlike a museum, Rome displays its remarkable history without respect for chronology. A new electric bus travels over cobblestone streets just ten feet above the floor of an ancient stadium. Inscriptions from tombs and temples share wall space with neon. Every time a corner is turned there is a surprise, just as every turn of the page brings a new perspective. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern, as seen with David Macaulay's ingenious vision, gives the reader an imaginative and informative journey through this wondrous city.

""Macaulay's latest celebration of architecture delights in showing how past and present coexist in this ancient city. . . . A visual love letter to the city of Rome. A natural choice for classroom use and a terrific way to whet readers' appetites for Macaulay's earlier titles, such as City."" Booklist, ALA

""Even Italophiles may feel as if this clever paean to one of the world's great cities has shown them the real Rome for the first time."" Publishers Weekly

""Macaulay's latest celebration of architecture delights in showing how past and present coexist in this ancient city. . . . A visual love letter to the city of Rome. A natural choice for classroom use and a terrific way to whet readers' appetites for Macaulay's earlier titles, such as CITY."" Booklist, ALA, Boxed Review