An atlas of rare city maps. Comparative Urban Design, 1830-1843 [New York 1997].

New York 1997/ Princenton Architectural Press/ publisher's binding, hardback with wrapper/ 37x32.5cm/s.102/ rich illustration material - reprints of old maps and plans/ very good- condition, soiling of wrapper. Text clean.

The maps-plans in this collection of forty cities in Europe, Russia, the United States and Asia were first published in the mid-19th century by the English Society for the Dissemination of Useful Knowledge. These maps were commissioned and produced over a period of thirteen years, presenting a unique opportunity to compare the urban development of 40 cities in 19 countries at one point in time. An exquisite feast for the eye, these hand-colored, hand-written steel engravings are artistic masterpieces in themselves, representing an era of exceptional craftsmanship. They are reproduced here in high quality in large format. The Atlas of Rare City Maps covers both well-known European and American cities such as Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Moscow, New York and Venice, as well as smaller cities such as Calcutta, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Lisbon, Marseille, Parma, Warsaw and Stockholm. An introductory essay by Melville C. Branch discusses the historical evolution of urban design and provides background on engraving techniques. Branch also evaluates each map plan, noting the details of each engraving, as well as the evolution of city forms, their history and demographic characteristics. This rare collection first appeared in its modern form two decades ago in a limited edition (Arno Press); long out of print, this book has been sought after by architects, urban planners and map enthusiasts worldwide. Princeton Architectural Press is proud to make this valuable resource available again. [polished description sourced from the publisher].