Best Bridge Photography Books of 2026

The book "San Francisco: Portrait of a City / Portrat einer Stadt / Portrait d'une ville" is an immersive photographic history of San Francisco, taking the reader on a winding tour of the city from the mid-19th century to the present day. It features newly found images from dozens of archives, including daguerreotypes, Kodachromes, and digital pictures. The book also includes introductory essays and captions by Bay Area-based author Richie Unterberger and a "Best of San Francisco" section. This meticulously researched and conceived portrait will inspire readers and make them fall in love with the spirit of the City by the Bay.

Inside Your Japanese Garden is a practical and inspiring guide for creating a tranquil outdoor space at home. The book provides step-by-step techniques and instructive drawings to help design and build a unique Japanese garden, no matter the size. It includes instructions on working with stone, mud, and bamboo, as well as a catalogue of the plant varieties used in the gardens featured in the book. What makes this book unique is that it features 20 gardens designed and built by author Sadao Yasumoro in Japan, providing real-life inspirations for readers. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in Japanese garden design.

New York Then and Now® (2019) by Marcia Reiss is a fascinating photography history book that showcases the transformation of New York City in the last 150 years. Through vintage photos from the 19th century up until the 1950s and contemporary photos by Evan Joseph, readers can see the striking contrasts in the buildings and streetscapes of iconic locations such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. The book also provides historical information and interesting stories about the buildings that have come and gone. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and architecture of one of the world's greatest cities.

San Francisco Noir: Photographs by Fred Lyon is a stunning visual journey through the hidden corners of the city. Fred Lyon, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, captures the essence of the city in high contrast with a sense of mystery, in the style of classic film noir. The duotone images, taken in the 1940s and 1950s, expose a bygone era of San Francisco, featuring jazz musicians, stevedores, and Fisherman's Wharf. The experimental style, with double exposures and blurred motion, adds to the noir tone. Overall, this book is a wonderful browse that invites armchair time travelers to experience a lost era of San Francisco in a unique and captivating way.

Bridges: A History of the World's Most Spectacular Spans by Judith Dupré is a stunning visual history of the world's most significant and remarkable bridges. With breathtaking photographs showcasing the details and monumental scale of each structure, the book covers thousands of years of architectural history, from ancient Roman stone structures to modern concrete and steel designs. The revised and updated edition includes all-new photographs and cutting-edge work from today's international superstars of architecture and engineering. This book is an invaluable reference as well as a visual feast that captivates the eye, mind, and imagination.

Pittsburgh Then and Now® is a fascinating visual journey that showcases the transformation of Pittsburgh from an industrial town to a modern metropolis. The book features vintage photos of iconic landmarks paired with their current views, highlighting the city's history and progress. The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is the author of this travel photography book that takes readers on a tour of the city's most significant sites, including the Smithfield Street Bridge, PNC Park, and the Cathedral of Learning. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any travel or photography enthusiast's collection, as it offers a unique perspective on Pittsburgh's evolution over time.

New York From the Air is a stunning collection of 200 never-before-seen photographs of New York City from above. Award-winning photographer Paul Seibert’s aerial vistas capture the city’s iconic skyline, architecture, and landmarks like never before. From the crown of the Chrysler building to the serene oval of Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, Seibert’s unique perspective offers a fresh and breathtaking take on the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re a tourist or native New Yorker, this book is a must-have addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.

Detroit Then and Now® is a captivating book that offers a glimpse into the history and transformation of one of America's most significant cities. The book showcases the city's iconic landmarks and how they have changed over the years. From the Detroit Waterfront to the Michigan Central Railroad, the book takes readers on a journey through Detroit's past and present. Written by Cheri Gay, who has lived in and around Detroit for over forty years, the book offers a unique perspective on the city's history. Overall, Detroit Then and Now® is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Detroit or photography history books.

The book, "Route 66 Then and Now," takes readers on a 2,500-mile journey along the famous highway, exploring the iconic motels, diners, and gas stations that sprang up during its heyday. Joe Sonderman, a prolific Route 66 author, uses his extensive collection of postcards to illustrate the journey, highlighting what has been preserved and what has disappeared. The book covers key towns and sites along the route, from Chicago to Santa Monica, making it a great reference for anyone planning a road trip. Overall, "Route 66 Then and Now" is a fascinating look at the history and evolution of one of America's most beloved highways.