In Houses, Villas, and Palaces in the Roman World, Alexander G. McKay examines simple houses, mansions, estates, and palatial buildings, and he pays particular attention to accounts of ancient writers that deal with such topics as house design, interiors, furnishings, and gardens.

With more than 150 illustrations of plans, sites, and reconstructions, the book describes high-rise apartments, compact civic squares, large public buildings, temples, shopping centers, and commercial areas, as well as the conditions of life in the Roman provinces.