Transit Maps of the World
by Mark Ovenden
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Book Reviews of Transit Maps of the World
Book Review: 1972 NYC Subway map by Vignelli had a 1976 revision
Summary: 4 Stars
Got this book last night, started reading it, and when I got to the description of NYC 1972 map by Vignelli, giving it a modernistic feel of the times, was pretty excited, because I knew I own a paper map. Went looking for it, and upon reading from the book that users of the map were confused by the fact that the station of "50th St - Bdway" was positioned west of 8th avenue, went to check on my map this fact. Unfortunately, the station was positioned correctly, i.e., east of 8th Ave, and noticed that the map was slightly different from the one illustrated in the book. Then I saw the date of print on my map, 1976, and realized it must have been a revision from the earlier map in response to the users's complaints. Great book.
Book Review: Author loves 45 degree angles
Summary: 4 Stars
This beautifully illustrated book documents subways and subway maps, a subject not fully explored in book form prior to this book. Of special interest are older maps that show the growth of systems and changing design aesthetics of subway mapping. The books limits itself to subway based rapid transit systems, so heavy urban rail systems are usually left out. It would be nice if there were a larger coffee table version of the book, so that one could see more detail in the maps. I found myself disagreeing with the author's preference for diagram subway maps over maps that are more topographically accurate.
Book Review: For Maps As Art and Icons Only
Summary: 2 Stars
The cover reads "TRANSIT MAPS OF THE WORLD/The World's First Collection of Every Urban Train Map on Earth". A rather miss-leading title. One would expect one could read these maps for the purpose for which they were originally intended. A good map of most transit systems would be quite helpful, and that's what the cover implies. Well, I couldn't read most of the maps with a magnifying glass. To read maps as maps, the book is all but worthless. But, if you like maps as art, transit maps as icons, and limited transit history, this is apparently for you. Otherwise you may want to keep your wallet in your pocket.Book Review: Love it!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a fan of rail transit systems, cartography, or functional graphic design, then this book is for you. It contains very up to date images of all of the greatest transit maps in the world. It also provides quite a bit of historical insight for the larger systems. The only thing I thing that would improve this book is if it were in a larger format. Then you could actually appreciate the maps even more. Considering some of the maps illustated are diplayed 6 feet high on subway station walls, any extra size bigger they could print this book, the better.Book Review: Excellent map information
Summary: 4 Stars
An excellent book for cartographers and those interested in maps of transit systems around the world. Comprehensive would be an understatement, as the book truly lives up to its promise of including every transit map in the world. A bit more information on the systems themselves would have been nice, but I guess that's not what this book is about as much as the history of the maps of the systems. All in all, definitely worthwhile if you've got a passion for transit maps!