A vivid reconstruction of designer Massimo Vignelli's attempt to present the complexities of the New York subway in a clear and modern form.

Vignelli Transit Maps describes the history of the New York subway maps and follows this city's transportation growth from separate, independent lines to one large system. Peter Lloyd uncovers the history of the Vignelli map that includes the legacy of the people who created and promoted this New York icon - as well as those who hastened its demise. He explores in fascinating detail Vignelli's dealings with the MTA when he was a principal at the design agency, Unimark, and provides profiles of the diverse players, their contributions and conflicting philosophies. The book includes a first glimpse at original, early development sketches of the famed map and of its recent successors, as well as Unimark's development sketches for the then new Washington DC metro.

PETER B. LLOYD worked in the software design industry and is co-editor of Paris Metro Style. MARK OVENDEN is a broadcaster and author who specialises in graphic design and architecture in public transport. He has written several books on the Paris and London underground systems.