Here's my secret: I had my first coding job back in high school. It was a good 40 miles away, almost all of which on an arterial highway.
During all my hours stuck in traffic, I began to develop a deep fascination with its ebb and flow. Well, maybe s/fascination/obsession/. The embarrassing part is that I was half-way through my senior year at college before I realized there was something called "Civil Engineering." If you're not familiar, that's the science of doing really awesome stuff, and looking at amazing pictures. I'm a wannabe civil engineer.
So, I go about my life picking up CE books from time to time. I have been known to raise a finger towards the heavens during a debate, and speak of Sir Edmond Bacon, and max-flow of water pipes without really knowing what the hell I was talking about.
That brings us to The Works (Anatomy of a City).
Likely one of the most entertaining and aesthetically pleasing books I've seen since Tufte was on that parade float throwing copies of Envisioning Information around like it was candy.
This book's ability to explain relatively complex feats of industrial design without either being too childish or inaccurate is nothing short of astounding. "What's the location and capacity of the major gas lines running throughout the country?" you may ask.
Ah. Finally. In all of its cameraphonic glory. After seeing a book chock full of such gems, the only thing left to happen was order 5 copies...as illustrated.
So, to my friends and family...well...I guess what I'm saying is you won't be surprised this Christmas. Everyone gets a copy of The Works. Shut up. Look at all some of the various models of subway cars run in New York City.
There's a designated car to go around and collect money? tear
Kate Ascher: You seeing anyone?