"The reader is invited to appreciate the importance of maps for understanding urban civilization. As a primary means of communication, maps are expressions of power and political propaganda, schemes for military operations, guides for pilgrimages, and vehicles for ideal city planning. Tied to their contexts, patrons, and creators (from Alberti to Leonardo), they reveal the history, structure and development of cities. The author further celebrates maps as works of art which not only serve practical needs but function as emblems of civic humanism."--Jacket.