sleeper54's Full Review: David Macaulay - Rome Antics
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Man has always suffered the vantage point of the earth-bound, our view forever limited (or was, until the invention of flight) by our feet-on-the-ground bodies. Even constructing a tower tall enough to reach the heavens or climbing the highest mountain ultimately leaves us earth-bound.
But imagine the perspective available to one free of the constraints of gravity and earth, one who is able to twist and soar, dive and climb in the sky as free as a ...well, as free as a bird.
Rome Antics by Caldecott Medalist David Macaulay explores this dream of flight and freedom and how we might view our world anew. A homing pigeon is released to follow her native instincts and we follow along as she flies from "somewhere in the Italian Hills" to her ingrained destination in the ancient city of Rome.
From her vantage point we see and experience the wonders of Rome as no earthbound traveler ever has. From the Aurelian Wall to the Forum; from the familiar ruins of the Colosseum to the teeming Campo dei Fiori; these and many other sites are shared with the reader as we follow the pigeon's flight path and see the sites as her own eyes would.
Drawn primarily in black ink, the pictures of Rome Antics are large, topsy-turvy, and joyous in their celebration of a different point of view. Switching frequently from the path of the pigeon (traced using a looping, swirling, climbing and diving red line) to tame or 'tumultuous and frantic' views of monuments and buildings up-close-and-personal, the pictures tease and entertain as they share thousands of years of Roman history frozen in brick and stone. With each picture drawn over a two-page spread they have ample area to visually tell a rich story.
A narration notable for its minimal word count accompanies the pictures. One particular page notes: "A sudden collision sends her reeling" and the illustration of the Santa Maria della Pace on that two-page spread is displayed upside down, as a pigeon tumbling in the air might see it. Even the label for the page is typed upside down..!!
The next pages spread shows the bird's flight path twisting in a corkscrew pattern around a soccer ball flying through the air. Apparently the poor bird was struck by the ball.
The following two-page spread shows us her perspective again, explaining "Somewhat discombobulated, she struggles to regain her composure and bearing" The vocabulary found here is definitely one that might best be shared by adult and young reader.
Many famous structures, buildings, bridges, and plazas of the city Rome are shared in this book. A map near the end of the book shows the overall route (traced in red of course...) of our faithful courier and guide. Also featured are twenty-some illustrations and brief histories of the various sites explored on our flight through the city and through the book.
The Bottom Line
This is a book for young and old alike, for anyone and everyone who has ever dreamed of soaring like a bird, of freedom from the constraints of gravity.
Only near the end are we allowed to see our feathered tour guide, her eyes our eyes over Rome. Is the message she delivers one of joy or one of sorrow..? One of business or one between friends..?? Sorry, you will have to read for yourself.
Whether you are intimately familiar with the plazas and history of the ancient city or you have never enjoyed strolling the streets of Rome, you will find a new and liberating perspective on the modern charms and ancient treasures of this Italian wonder.
This review is also an entry to fellow user laurashrti's "National Library Week Write-Off". Our local public library is one of my most tangible assets that I realize from all the tax dollars I contribute to my home town. It is a great resource for finding new items and expanding one's mind and heart.
I urge you to 'check out' Laura's write-off and add your own celebratory thoughts and reviews to the event.
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