Blackwell's is delighted to be hosting the launch of this stunning reissue of The Making of Classical Edinburgh.
About the Book
The complete 1966 edition reissued with contemporary images by Colin McLean
· Features 82 photographs by renowned architectural photographer Edwin Smith
· Includes 80 detailed plans, illustrations and maps
· New for this edition: a preface and 24 contemporary reproductions of Edwin Smith’s original photographs by Colin McLean
This famous study of the planning, financing and building of the New Town in Edinburgh brings to life one of the most remarkable urban expansion programmes ever undertaken. A. J. Youngson introduces the modern reader to the vigour of the planning debates, the fundraising schemes, the administrative and legislative infrastructure of planning, the construction of public buildings as poles of attraction for speculative building, and all the hopes, quarrels, victories and civic bankruptcy that went into this great experiment.
Superbly illustrated with photographs by acclaimed photographer Edwin Smith, along with a selection of contemporary images and a preface by Colin McLean, this book is a classic work of economic and social history, and a fascinating account of the shaping of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
About Colin McLean
Colin Maclean is an experienced photographer whose work has been recognised with the award of a distinction (LRPS) from the Royal Photographic Society. His architectural photography has most recently been included in exhibitions at Dundee Contemporary Arts and the Royal Scottish Academy.
Classical Edinburgh is the working title of a major exhibition to be held in Edinburgh City Art Centre, from November 2019 to March 2020 which will feature a selection of Edwin Smith’s original prints, contrasted with contemporary images by Colin McLean. Colin has also written a new foreword to the book, explaining the significance played by Youngson’s text - and Smith’s images - in the subsequent conservation of the New Town. This brings a fresh perspective to the extraordinary story of one of Europe’s greatest conservation projects.
The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accomodate your needs. For more information, or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's Edinburgh events team on 0131 622 8237 or events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
