This is a fascinating collection of historic city maps spanning centuries, from ancient times to modern day. The maps pictured are full color reproductions, in a coffee table size volume, arranged by city type: Ancient Cities, Medieval Trading Centers, Imperial Capitals, Colonial Cities, Ideal Cities, and Megacities.

We learn the story behind each map – who created it and why. Many maps are artwork. For example, maps were often commissioned as paintings, posters, illustrations, or frescoes; others were designed to aid travel or for military purposes; the reasons are many. In addition to the story behind the map, key locations are highlighted in a visual tour of each city.

Some cities have more than one map, in some cases hundreds of years apart, and it’s interesting to see how the cities have evolved and changed. New Amsterdam/New York and Rome were particularly interesting to me as they are both cities I have visited and can relate to.

These maps are all very, very different, done in a wide variety of styles, and cannot be compared to each other. Rather, each is a snapshot in time; a visual, interesting history lesson of each city that can be enjoyed by everyone. History buffs and those fascinated by maps should be especially delighted. ( )