Brian Delf spent more than ten years drawing each and every building along the canals of Amsterdam. The architecture, the materials, the small architectonic details - nothing escaped his attention. His drawings accentuate the unparalleled beauty of the canal houses. Of course the four principal canals - Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht - can be admired in this publication. As a bonus, in full colour, the lesser Brouwersgracht is included as well. Outstanding buildings and architects and remarkable residents are brought to life through illustration and text.

Brian Delf illustrated many atlases and guides that gained international acclaim, such as The Picture Atlas of The World and Great Events that Changed the World.

Leonoor van Oosterzee is an art historian with a special interest in drawings and city history. She recently co-authored Langs Amsterdamse grachten (2013) with Bert Gerlagh.