Edinburgh: Mapping the City

This book showcases 71 maps of Edinburgh that provide a unique insight into the city's political, commercial, and social history, revealing how it has changed and developed over the last 500 years. It appeals to anyone with an interest in Edinburgh, Scottish history, urban history, architectural history, town planning, or the history of cartography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

Maps hold immense power in revealing the rich tapestry of a place's history that traditional histories often fail to capture. This is particularly true of Edinburgh, a captivating city renowned for its breathtaking beauty and profound historical and cultural significance. This lavishly illustrated book showcases a collection of 71 meticulously selected maps that offer a unique perspective on the political, economic, and social life of Scotland and her capital. Many of these maps are reproduced in book form for the first time, providing a captivating glimpse into how Edinburgh has evolved and transformed over the past five centuries.

Together, these maps present a captivating insight into the city's historical development, shedding light on the political, economic, and social forces that have shaped its growth and character. Whether you are an ardent enthusiast of Edinburgh and Scottish history, a passionate student of urban history, architectural history, town planning, or the history of cartography, this book will captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of this remarkable city.

Edinburgh's historical maps serve as a testament to the city's evolution and growth. From the early medieval city walls and the royal palaces to the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of today, these maps trace the changing landscape of Edinburgh over the centuries. They reveal the political and administrative structures that have governed the city, the economic activities that have fueled its growth, and the social dynamics that have shaped its population.

One of the most striking features of these maps is their visual representation of the city's architecture. From the grandiose castles and cathedrals to the ornate Georgian buildings and the modernist skyscrapers, the maps showcase the diverse architectural styles that have defined Edinburgh's skyline. They provide a detailed account of the city's architectural heritage, highlighting the significant contributions of different periods and cultures.

Moreover, the maps also shed light on the city's urban planning and development. They depict the expansion of the city's boundaries, the construction of new streets and infrastructure, and the changes in land use over time. This visual record allows us to understand the city's growth patterns and the strategies employed by its planners to accommodate the changing needs of its population.

In addition to their historical significance, Edinburgh's maps also offer a glimpse into the city's cultural life. They depict the locations of important landmarks, such as museums, galleries, theaters, and concert halls. They also highlight the social and recreational activities that have shaped the city's identity, from the annual Edinburgh Festival to the famous Royal Mile.

Furthermore, the maps provide a valuable resource for researchers and scholars interested in Edinburgh's history. They offer a wealth of information that can be used to study the city's development, the social and economic changes that have occurred, and the impact of different historical events on the city's landscape.

In conclusion, maps hold immense power in revealing the story of a place that traditional histories often fail to communicate. Edinburgh, with its stunning beauty and rich historical and cultural associations, is a prime example of how maps can provide a unique perspective on a city's history. This lavishly illustrated book showcases a collection of 71 meticulously selected maps that offer a fascinating insight into the political, economic, and social life of Scotland and her capital. Together, these maps present a captivating glimpse into how Edinburgh has changed and developed over the past five centuries, shedding light on the political, economic, and social forces. Whether you are an ardent enthusiast of Edinburgh and Scottish history, a passionate student of urban history, architectural history, town planning, or the history of cartography, this book will captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of this remarkable city.

Weight: 1970g
Dimension: 255 x 259 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839830433
Edition number: Reissue