Rochester, New Hampshire, may be better known for its industrial history than for its architecture, but look closely and the city's hidden gems reveal themselves. City planner Michael Behrendt urges readers to "slow down, look around" and appreciate the beauty of the human habitat. Drawing from his series in the Rochester Times, Behrendt explores a wide range of architectural styles and elements, from the Italianate and Foursquare styles to barns, churches, stone walls and the exquisite Rochester Opera House. Through his unique perspective as a city planner, Behrendt celebrates Rochester's history as written in wood, brick and limestone and imparts lessons applicable to any community.