Talk of the town: A landmark in urban mapping More than four centuries on from its first publication, discover one of thejewels of urban cartography and civic studies. This quality reprint includes the most enchanting color plates from theCivitates orbis terrarum, a magnificent collection of town map engravings, produced between1572 and 1617.Featuringplans, bird s-eye views, and maps for all major cities in Europe, plus important urban centers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, this masterwork in urban mapping gives us a comprehensive view of city life at the turn of the 17th century. It was edited and annotated by theologian and publisherGeorg Braunand largely engraved byFranz Hogenberg, but also involved over a hundred different artists and cartographers who contributed not only town views, but additional elements, such as figures in local dress, courtroom scenes, and topographical details, to help convey thesituation, commercial power, and political influenceof each city.TASCHEN's reprint contextualizes the plates with selected extracts from Braun s original texts on thehistory and significance of each urban centeras well as detailed commentaries to place each city map in itscartographical and cultural context. About the Series: Bibliotheca Universalis Compact cultural companions celebrating the eclectic TASCHEN universe at an unbeatable, democratic price!Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, the name TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible, open-minded publishing.Bibliotheca Universalisbrings together nearly 100 of our all-time favorite titles in a neat new format so you can curate your own affordable library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia.Bookworm s delight never bore, always excite! "