Metropolis

This gorgeous book is nominally about cities, but through elaborate color illustrations, cross-sections and graphics, it depicts human endeavor and activity as well. This is a large (though lightweight) book, approximately 10" x 12", and each of the cities depicted are given six pages. The first two-page spread puts the city into a textual and graphic context. The second spread depicts a building or the city being described, and these illustrations are dense with activity revealed more acutely with cross-sections, blow-ups and detail. An illustrated timeline of the century also runs along the border of these two pages. The final spread explains the centerpiece illustration and offers more detail of some aspect of the time. For example, Paris in the 12th Century first describes the Middle Ages and the history of Paris, and explains why so many cathedrals were built in this era, accompanied by a map of Europe showing many of them; the centerpiece illustration shows the construction of Notre Dame, with details of smiths, roofers, masons and carvers at work, and a timeline along the border that shows 22 other significant events of the century, such as the death of Omar Khayyam, an appearance of Halley's Comet, the birth of Genghis Khan, the murder of Thomas a Becket, the ascension of Richard the Lion-Hearted to the English throne and the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa; finally, a description of the cathedral work is given along with detailed text and illustrations of Notre Dame's carvings and stained glass, including the Rose Window.The text is informative and detailed, though this is a supplement to history texts and not a substitute, with an emphasis on how people of the time lived and worked. The cities chosen are historically and culturally significant: Jerusalem of the 11th century with a discussion of religion and the Crusades; Paris of the 12th century, with a discussion of the cathedrals of Europe; a Mongol tent city of the 13th century; 14th century Koblenz, with a discussion of the Plague; Lisbon and Mozambique of the 15th century; 16th century Florence, with a discussion of Renaissance art and learning; Osaka of the 17th century, with a discussion of Kabuki and No theatre; Vienna of the 18th century; 19th century London; and 20th century New York, emphasizing its immigrant populations.If you are a history buff, or have a child studying history, this lush book will add dimension to your/their understanding. Highest recommendation.

Metropolis is an amazing tour de force for readers of all ages. It seems to be a children's book at first glance, with full-paged color illustrations, but it satisfies the curiosities of any reader about life in different cities and different times. Where else could you learn about the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral in the 12th century AND Koblenz at the height of the plague in the 14th century? I plan to keep this book as a family treasure and pass it down to my children some day. Read it!!