Cities of the World: A History in Maps

£25.00

Peter Whitfield's Cities of the World is a fascinating and original look at the world's greatest cities, as he traces their historic form and special character through the city maps and panoramic views produced over the centuries.

His concise accompanying text gives texture and detail to this handsome survey of 64 great cities, featuring 120 maps, town plans, and paintings drawn from the British Library.

Illustrating the classical city-state, the medieval fortress, the baroque capital and the industrial metropolis, the images show how the architectural form and the social life of our cities have been shaped - not only by their geographical setting, but also by religion, royal power, commerce, social ideals, and occasionally artistic vision.