This book studies architecture andliterature of Rio de Janeiro, the "Marvellous City," from the revolution of1889 to the Olympics of 2016, taking the reader on a journey through thehistory of the city. This study offers a wide-ranging and thought-provokinginsight that moves from ruins to Modernism, from the past to the future, fromfutebol to fiction, and from beach to favela, to uncover the surprisingfeature--decadence--at the heart of this unique and seemingly timeless urbanworld. An innovative and in-depth study of buildings, books, and characters inthe city's modern history, this fundamental new work sets the reader in theglorious world of Rio de Janeiro.