Philadelphia Architecture: A Guide to the City

I had this item pre-ordered for almost a year, and I'm glad I stuck it out and waited for its publication. Some things a prospective reader should know immediately: The product description information shown above is for the SECOND edition, while this lovely third edition is completely new and more chunky at 230 pages. Anyone familiar with the Sydney or Melbourne (Australia) architecture guides published by Watermark Press will instantly recognize this book's format, for it is essentially identical in layout. The book is arranged in chronological chapters, and features significant landmarks from the respective time periods. This is NOT a comprehensive survey of Philadelphia architecture, but a selective survey of important historic and modern sites. There are about 300 entries. The most important sites (Independence Hall, Christ Church, Eastern State Penitentiary) get more extensive treatment, with lovely color photographs and more detailed analytical essays. Otherwise the entries are short but exceptionally well done. The catalog of sites is neatly framed by both historical context and a section of recommended driving tours in the back. Also included is a chapter of architect biographies. It's beautifully done, and a fine exhibition of Philadelphia - a city with more important architectural sites than any other city in the United States except New York. So close in format is this book to the Guide to Sydney Architecture (Watermark Press) that it seems the publisher must have used that book as a model.