Book about George Dow and the history of the diagrammatic map

George Dow played a key role in the evolution of what today is known as the diagrammatic map. It is the type of map made famous by Harry Beck in his design for London Underground. But the style pre-dates Beck's map, having previously appeared in maps drawn for the London and North Eastern Railway. Diagrammatic system maps first appeared in that railway's London suburban trains. They were designed and hand-drawn by a twenty-one year old clerk at King's Cross, George Dow. At the time they were referred to as 'Dowagrams'.

George's son, Andrew Dow, wrote a book detailing the history of his father's maps and the contribution they made to what, today, is a design style used the world over. The book runs to 85 pages, is well-printed and copiously illustrated. It is out of print but a small number of new copies are still available.

To purchase one of the remaining new copies of the book, please email railway (at) dow (dot) scot. The price is £18 including UK postage. Payment can only be made via Paypal.