1972 New York Subway Guide [Massimo Vignelli]

New York Subway Guide, 1972 (2). New York City Transit Authority (MTA), 3.75 x 7 folded, 18 x 21 flat, printed double-sided. Designed by Massimo Vignelli.

Based on principles set forth by Henry Beck's London Underground map designed in 1933, this iconic yet “controversial” diagrammatic map is set on both 45 and 90 degree angles with each line represented by a unique color and each stop represented by a dot. This original “1972 (2)” version is printed in 10 colors and set in Helvetica and Helvetica Medium; subsequent editions used Trade Gothic. A rigorous and abstract representation by a master of form and function. 

A nearly fine, folded a bit unevenly, original subway map with only a hint of wear near the edges and to the folds when opened flat.