Since its establishment 150 years ago as the world's first urban subway, the London Underground has continuously set a benchmark for design that has influenced transit systems from New York to Tokyo, Moscow to Paris and beyond. This is a meticulous study of every aspect of that feat, a comprehensive history of one of the world's most celebrated design achievements, and of the visionaries who brought it to life.

Using colourful graphics, this book traces the history of urban transport systems, including rare and historic maps, diagrams, and photographs.

With the support of the visionary Frank Pick at the London Underground, Edward Johnston (1872-1944) and Eric Gill (1882-1940) unwittingly developed two of the world's most enduring typefaces--Johnston still stands as London's primary 'wayfinding' lettering, while Gill Sans is the type of choice within many public and private organizations across the UK today. Exploring for the first time the evolution and adoption of both the Johnston and Gill typefaces, this unique publication shows how each has had a profound impact on Britain's visual language. Tracing the story of each typeface from...