Artful City of Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, a city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage, is portrayed as a work of urban art in this extensively illustrated account. From colonial times to the present, the city's story is documented and celebrated through the maps, paintings, photographs, poetry, and prose of renowned artists and writers. As one of the most historically intact cities in North America, Newport's significance on a national scale is undeniable. Each district of the city has its own distinctive character, with street plans and buildings revealing the political, religious, commercial, and artistic influences that have sculpted Newport throughout the ages.

This portrait explores the city's diverse landscapes, from the stately Colonial squares and bustling wharves to the picturesque Victorian villas and scenic drives, as well as the opulent Gilded Age palaces built for the privileged few and the electric streetcars that served the many. The narrative also delves into the preservation movements that have sought to honor the past, and the modernist schemes envisioned for the city's future.

These multifaceted narratives tell a story of urban beauty and controversy, of eras marked by lavish building, urban decay, and extraordinary revival. Newport's cultural and architectural heritage is a testament to the dynamic forces that have shaped this remarkable city, and this work serves as a richly illustrated portrait that celebrates its enduring legacy.

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