The book -- a rich textual and visual tapestry, 160 pages in length -- brings to light the ambitious color and architectural schemes that symbolically depicted and celebrated the progress of civilization. It draws on images and artifacts from private collections, as well as the historical society. Paintings by artist John Ross Key -- which recently were restored in anticipation of the centennial -- are featured throughout the book. And architectural renderings and works that never before have been displayed or published -- including original promotional pieces for the Pan Am, advertisements and paraphernalia -- also contribute to the book's 200-plus images.

"A collaboration of The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, University at Buffalo (the State University of New York), Canisius College, Crowley Webb and Associates." "Designer, David L. Buck ; publisher, Joseph F. Bieron. "Index to images" : p. 137-141.

-- Dedication, Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- The Rainbow City -- Idyllic Approaches -- A Temple of History : The New York State Building -- The Grand Entrance -- The Pergolas -- The Horticulture Group -- The Government Building -- The Ethnology Building -- The Temple of Music -- The Court of Fountains -- The Machinery and Transportation Building -- The Manufatures and Liberal Arts Building -- The Agriulture Building -- The Electricity Building -- The Electric Tower -- The Stadium -- The Midway -- The Propylaa -- The Dominion of Canada -- Latin American at the Pan-American Exposition -- Nocturnal Architecture : The Rainbow City Becoes the City of Living Lights -- Achievements and Aftermath -- Bibliography -- Index to Images --