AGNIESZKA ZABŁOCKA-KOS
'UNDERSTANDING THE CITY. THE CENTRE OF WROCŁAW ON THE
ROAD TO A MODERN CITY 1807-1858'

PUBLISHING HOUSE VIA NOVA

KRZYSZTOF STEFAŃSKI

The nineteenth century city is a phenomenon that has been attracting the attention of researchers for several decades. In this respect, Wrocław constitutes a special topic. The specifics of the city are determined by the abundant and rich history, a consequent of historical processes taking place at the border of three countries and nationalities: Polish, German and Czech. The book of Agnieszka Zabłocka-Kos is the first attempt to outline the urban planning and architecture of this city in the 19th century under the domination of classicism and historism. The author focuses on demonstrating transformations taking place from the period of the Napoleonic wars until 1858. This was the period of constructing the development basis of modern Wrocław, abolishing previous spatial limitations, new streets and suburban districts were demarcated, resulting in later transformations. She also demonstrates strong relations of Wrocław with other German centres, primarily Berlin, but also with the European urban thoughts and architectural trends. The book is an example of exhaustive study based on reliable source research, showing urban architectural transformation in a broader historical and social context. It belongs to the best studies of this type developed in the previous several years.