This is an updated edition of a book published during the Revolutionary bicentennial (Stackpole, 1975). Wolf, librarian emeritus of the Library Company of Philadelphia (a library with special collections on Philadelphia) is well qualified to compile this chronicle of the city's colorful history, from its early settlements to the present day. Illustrations of events and personalities are the main attraction, but Wolf's graceful prose is an asset throughout. As he shows, the years since the bicentennial have not been altogether happy for the city, with national news coverage of its urban decay, budget woes, political corruption, and the MOVE disaster. This is a valuable and timely reminder of the great city Philadelphia was and once again could be. Recommended for libraries not owning the 1975 edition. - Stephen Rees, Bucks Cty. Free Lib., Levittown, Pa. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.