A lush chronological survey of 100 homes, businesses, and public buildings in the prosperous Southern California port city--the state's fifth largest city but often overshadowed by its neighbor Los Angeles. An introductory overview is followed by a page-long description and history of each building (including its architect) with a current and, often, a historical photo alongside. (Some of the buildings have been demolished and exist only in old renderings.) Two large color maps locate all the buildings in the city's grid. Mullio and Volland are a freelance curator and writer, respectively, who specialize in architecture. The volume has a wide format: 8.875x10.25". Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)