Vignelli Transit Maps by Peter B. Lloyd, 2012 [Massimo Vignelli; Unimark, New York City Subway]

Vignelli Transit Maps, Peter B. Lloyd with contributions by Mark Ovenden, 2012. RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press, Rochester, New York, USA. Softcover, 9 x 12, 128 pages. Design by Bruce Ian Meader.

Peter B. Lloyd’s meticulously researched book traces the history of the Vignelli map and the individuals who shaped and championed this New York icon—along with those who contributed to its decline. Lloyd delves into Vignelli’s work with the MTA during his time as a principal at Unimark, the renowned international design firm that secured the commission to redesign the subway system’s signage and map. This is the first book-length treatment of Vignelli's contribution to transit maps. Highly recommended!

Foreword by Eddie Jabbour, acknowledgements by Peter B. Lloyd, and an introduction by Massimo Vignelli. The volume comprises seven chapters, along with a biography of Vignelli, an extensive bibliography, a New York Subway Map timeline, an index, and a colophon. Richly illustrated throughout in both black-and-white and color, it features photographs, graphic design work, and archival material—including early sketches, prototypes (including the Washington Metro and the Paris RER map) and detailed map studies.

“For a long time, New York communication culture has been afflicted by a fragmentation disease, where verbal rather than visual information, has had the priority. When I had the assignment of designing the New York subway map, this was the situation: fragmentation. In any case, the map was done and it turned out to be beautiful, but nevertheless short-lived.” — Massimo Vignelli

A very good or better perfect bound softcover with light wear to the covers and the slightest ding in the margins to the last few pages. A must for all Massimo Vignelli and New York City transit enthusiasts!