By Bob Tedder • “Rome Antics” is not noted illustrator David Macaulay’s most recent book nor is it the one which has garnered him the most literary honors. However, if you have never sampled his oeuvre this niftily titled 80-page smileathon is a great place to begin. An inkling of Macaulay’s purpose and imagination may be gleaned from the title of this 1997 ever-so-clever journey through modern and ancient Rome. You see, Macaulay documents both romantics and antics in Rome.
For those not familiar with Macaulay’s style, do not expect Faulkneresque sentences laden with sesquipedalian posers. The reader is 12 pages in before reaching the 100 word count, and it would require the most inattentive of readers to prolong completion past one large cup of coffee. A quick read, however, will do great disservice to the gloriously detailed pen and ink drawings which characterize all of Macaulay’s work.
So carefully follow the antics of a homing pigeon flying from “somewhere in the Italian hills” to an attic studio somewhere in the city of Rome. This is much easier than it sounds, for the unnamed protagonist’s flight is documented with the swoops, swirls and tribulations of the journey by a continuous red line. Incidentally for those prone to worship at the color wheel, do not be disappointed by the fact red is the only hue used in the book. The message the pigeon delivers is also in red and simply states … well, there are romantics in the book.
Once you have enjoyed the “Awhhhh” denouement, do return and spend time poring over the illustrations. As they are often penned from a flying pigeon’s perspective, consider the artistic acumen of the illustrator in this pre-drone era. While pondering the illustrations consider Macaulay’s powerful use of simple hash marks in manipulating depth of field and perspective. If not compelled to do either of the above, at least see if you can find all the cats. Now available at the Paw; pick up a large cup of coffee and this book. You should finish them at the same time.