Section I, The Motel of the Mysteries (pg 1-19) Summary

The Motel of the Mysteries is a satirical look at archeology and history. David Macaulay incorporates his writing and illustration in the convoluted apparent history of twentieth century Americans. It is the year 4022 and all research previously done concerning the North American continent has done little to uncover the secrets of the waste covered overgrown vegetation that is now the USA, Canada and Mexico.

As a the book begins, the reader learns that on November 29, 1985, a cataclysmic event has ended all life on the North American continent. The author further informs the reader that a substance called third and fourth class mail buried the North American continent under tons and tons of fliers, brochures, and containers called "free." Later that afternoon, impurities that had been clinging to...