Graziano Gasparini, justly renowned for his excellent studies of Venezuelan architecture, has given us a delightful essay on the growth and development of Caracas during the colonial period. Beginning in the earliest years of the settlement of Venezuela, Gasparini clearly places the development of Caracas within the context of Venezuela’s territorial expansion. Wisely, he chooses to avoid the entanglement of founding dates and the unfortunate mania for proving first foundations.
Although divided into six chapters, the book falls into two major blocks. One covers the early colonial period through the sixteenth century and the other goes from the eighteenth century through independence. In his descriptions Gasparini utilizes a judicious selection of the secondary literature and manages to touch on all the important attributes of caraqueño urbanism. Nevertheless, in spite of the catholicity of his approach, Gasparini is at his best discussing physical growth and patterns of urbanism. There are a number of fascinating and useful plates showing maps and vistas of Caracas.
In sum, this is a fine introduction for any student interested in the urban development of Caracas.
