Making of Classical Edinburgh

A.J. Youngson was a Professor of Economic History at the University of Edinburgh, and an Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University. He was also the Chairman of the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland and published extensively about the economic development of British cities. Edwin Smith (1912-71) was one of the eminent architectural photographers of his time and his reflective, black-and-white images appeared in many books. His photographs for the original edition of 'The Making of Classical Edinburgh' quickly became recognised as the defining images of the City in the mid-twentieth century. Colin McLean is an architectural photographer whose work has been exhibited in the Royal Scottish Academy, in Dundee Contemporary Arts and in Edinburgh City Art Centre, as well as appearing in publications and the media. His photography has been recognised with the award of a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society.

• Preface, by A.J. YoungsonPreface to the 1988 reprinted edition, by A.J. YoungsonPreface to the 2019 reprinted edition, by Colin McLeanI The ‘Proposals’ of 1752II Economic background and local governmentIII Public Building before 1784IV The New Town: Craig’s planV Extensions southwardVI Public Works, 1800 – 30VII Private development after 1800VIII Social lifeIX After 1830Appendix; Notes; Index

The Making of Classical Edinburgh is everything a scholarly study should be. The text is clear, uncluttered and always illuminating, and James Craig's plans of the New Town are beautifully reproduced.