Los Angeles in Maps

by Glen Creason, D.J. Waldie (Foreword), Joe Linton (Contributor)

An illustrated cartographic history of the City of Angels from the colonial era to the present. Los Angeles inhabits a place of the mind as much as it does a physical geographic space. A land of palm trees and movie stars, sunshine and glamour, the city exists in the imagination as a paradise; of course, the reality is much bigger than this. Through seventy reproductions of seminal and historic documents, Los Angeles in Maps presents the evolution of this almost mythical place. Maps featured include historic Spanish explorers’ charts from as early as 1791, as well as more recent topographic surveys, tourist guides, real estate maps, bird’s-eye views, and more. Like the course of the Los Angeles River, the book winds through essential terrain: the discovery of oil, the rise of Hollywood, the streetcar system, Los Angeles Harbor, earthquakes, sprawl, and splendor.

Genres: Maps, History, Nonfiction, Travel, Art, Urban Studies, Geography

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2010

Reviews

[Ramon4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing. The text is good, the maps are great, but the format is too small. The book is only about 11 inches tall. It should have been twice that tall to do justice to the maps. As it is, the maps are too small to read any of the details.

[Lelah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This book gives a unique perspective into the history of this huge city. I learned a ton and really enjoyed poring over each map. A magnifying glass is recommended. I now have a list of places in Los Angeles I must visit.

[Llyr Heller-Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book full of Los Angeles history through maps. I especially enjoyed those that had to do with the film industry! If you like history and maps, pick this book up now!

[Josh Fogelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to pore over and examine. Many historic maps of LA from centuries ago until now.