San Francisco

The first title in a new series from Universe, San Francisco is a great package at an affordable price, offering tourists the perfect memento of an unforgettable trip. A gorgeous celebration of what is arguable he most beautiful city in the United States, the book will also be a favorite for native San Franciscans and armchair travelers alike.

In this richly illustrated hardcover book, award-winning photojournalist Santi Visalli has beautifully captured the warmth and spirit of San Francisco. Spectacular views of the city's most notable landmarks-the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and Lombard Hill-are joined by images of the city's newest sites, including San Francisco MoMA, the stylish new Clift Hotel, and PacBell Stadium. The book brings together the historical and topical, creating a lasting tribute to this pearl of the Pacific Rim

The first title in a new series from Universe, San Francisco is a great package at an affordable price, offering tourists the perfect memento of an unforgettable trip. A gorgeous celebration of what is arguable he most beautiful city in the United States, the book will also be a favorite for native San Franciscans and armchair travelers alike.

Publishers Weekly

Part of Universe's series covering U.S. cities (New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.), this book serves less to show us something new about this relentlessly exposed city than to hit the high notes with enough grace to get through yet another touristic monograph. Visalli is a veteran photojournalist, and this set of expected shots shows some admirable restraint: only about a dozen of the nearly 100 shots here (including the front cover) are of the Golden Gate Bridge, while the pics of the Transamerica Pyramid building can be counted on one hand and the oft ignored Bay Bridge shows up in a lovely night skyline. Starr, state librarian of California and a San Francisco native, gives a full-bodied account of the city's multi-ethnic composition and ethos of tolerance that rings true. Very few of the pictures here include people, though, and there is little in them that hasn't been better covered elsewhere, particularly given a by-the-numbers lay-out that fails to lift the book out of the pack. (Jan.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Santi Visalli was born in Messina, Sicily, and has lived in the United States since 1959. His photographs have appeared in Time, Newsweek, and the New York Times.

Kevin Starr is the author of six books, including Americans and the California Dream.