Since its founding in the 1680s, Philadelphia has been a city on the move. What began as a small British colony grew to become the capital of a new nation and is now a modern metropolis, home to 1.6 million people. All of its changes have been documented by maps--100s, perhaps 1,000s of them--with each telling a unique story shaped by their makers' understanding of the world. It's impossible to tell the history of a place without the use of maps. This curated collection uses maps as primary sources to document Philadelphia's evolution. It starts with the Indigenous Lenni Lenape, who called this area home for generations. It ends in the mid-20th century, during the growth of the nation's highway system. In between, these maps chart the growth of industries, historic injustices, unexpected innovations, and moments of celebration. Authors Natalie Pompilio and Christopher W. Lane have created a book that is as informative as it is beautiful. Each map is accompanied by a short essay as well as illustrations and photos that provide details and context. Those who know the city well will find something surprising in its text. Those who are only just getting acquainted with Philadelphia will want to know more.
