With over 750 illustrations, Roman Buildings is a thorough and systematic examination of Roman architecture and building practice, looking at large-scale public buildings as well as more modest homes and shops. Placing emphasis on the technical aspects of the subject, the author follows the process of building through each stage -- from quarry to standing wall, from tree to roof timbers -- and describes how these materials were obtained or manufactured. The author also discusses interior decoration and looks at the practical aspects of water supply, heating and roads.

'The scope of his work is vast: from tree-trunk and brickyard to taberna, from marble quarry to temple. His text is clear, straight-forward and accessible to readers of most levels.' - Jact Review

'This is a truly massive and magnificent book, much revised and enlarged since the first edition in 1989.' - Minerva

'This superb monograph with its excellent photographs and diagrams ... is by far the best account of the subject available.' - British Archaeological News

'Recommended to classical scholars as a rich source of information on material culture, and a model of visual presentation.' - Kevin Greene, L'Antiquite Classique

Jean-Pierre Adam has been Director of the Paris office of the Institut de Recherche sur L'Archtitecture (CNRS) since 1972. He also teaches at the Ecole de Chaillot, which prepares architects for work on the historic monuments and buildings of France.