Book excerpt: Joan Marble has lived in a sixteenth-century Roman palazzo apartment with her husband, Robert, for over forty years. A lifetime of mingling with the citizens of Rome and pottering about on her beloved terrace above the city rooftops has resulted in this witty book. Woven among tales of escapades to famous Italian rose gardens are her informed views on everyday life in the city; of partying, politics and popes; of bicycle thieves, cat-catchers and gardening ladies. Imbued with a special feel for history and human observation, and scattered with serious green-fingered tips, this idiosyncratic study of Joan's beloved, adopted home will delight armchair gardeners and travellers alike.