Transit Maps of the World is the first and only comprehensive collection of historic and current maps of every rapid-transit system on earth. Using glorious, colorful graphics, Mark Ovenden traces the history of mass transit-including rare and historic maps, diagrams, and photographs, some available for the first time since their original publication. Transit Maps is the graphic designer’s new bible, the transport enthusiast’s dream collection, and a coffee-table essential for everyone who’s ever traveled in a city.

"Ovenden does what no other design history book has ever done. Transit Maps of the World is a must-have"
—The New York Times Book Review 

  "Fantastic"
—LA Times

"The perfect book"
—USA Today

  “pure catnip"
—William Grimes, The New York Times 

   "This book is the stuff that dreams are made of"
—Newsday

  "A fabulous collection. These maps are almost works of art, and can kindle a remembrance of a past trip or a dream of a future journey"
—Seattle Times

"Impossibly nerdy and thoroughly compelling"
—Kansas City Star

  "This is the kind of book that would be incredibly fun to browse with kids as part of a world geography investigation--and also the sort of thing that makes great bedtime reading if you want to salt your dreams with the possibility of travel to distant cities. Sheer public transit/map porn!"
—Boingboing.com

“Fascinating”
—Peter Greenberg, National Public Radio

  "Even if you are not a "map person" this book makes it so easy to experience the unique perspective of rail-based transit. Artistically a treat with its interesting colors, shapes and design; it's a coffee table essential. Ovenden brings a unique perspective to maps and to travel in general. Transit Maps of the World is a must-read for the literary traveller"
—Literary Traveller.com

  "A vibrant tip of the hat to the world's urban train systems"
—National Geographic Intelligent Traveller

“…look no further for the next must-have book”
—Very Short List

“The sort of book you couldn’t imagine you needed until you got it and now you can’t imagine how you could do without it . . . It’s fantastic!”
—Robert Elms, BBC London

“Like a Condé Nast Traveler magazine for jetsetters with subterranean tendencies.”
—Metro

“Delightful.”
—The Guardian, London

“A beautifully illustrated study of the plans that help passengers navigate the world’s metropolitan railway systems.”
—The Times, London

“An object lesson in information design.”
—Wallpaper

Mark Ovenden is a writer and broadcaster in London.

Imprint: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Distributor: Penguin Group USA, Inc
Publication Date: 10-30-2007
Pages: 144
Measurements: 9.44in X 10.82in X 0.41in X 1.37lb