Great Cities

Stunningly illustrated biographies of the world's greatest cities, packed with paintings, photographs, maps, and artifacts Delve into the social and cultural history of over 75 of the world's most important cities. From the first towns in Mesopotamia to today's global metropolises, cities have marked the progress of civilization. Written in the form of illustrated biographies, Great Cities offers a rich historical overview of each featured city, brought to vivid life with maps, paintings, photographs, and artifacts. The latest title in the series style of Artists, Writers, Philosophers, and Composers, this lavish book goes under the skin of cities both ancient and modern--from Babylon and Tikal, Paris, and Palermo to Prague, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and S o Paulo. Which ancient civilization founded the precursor to Mexico City? Why was Venice the gateway to the East? What was the Belle Epoque? Which was the first city to build sewers? Great Cities takes you there. Stunning images of city life and key moments in history are complemented by close-ups of revealing details and feature panels that provide additional context. A book not just about history but also about art, architecture, commerce, and politics, Great Cities provides a fascinating insight into what has shaped where we live. Perfect for history, geography, and cartography enthusiasts and a stunning gift for armchair explorers of all ages, it is your window into the world's most fascinating cities.