This Is.... series by M. Sasek
The Return of a Classic: This Is… by M. Sasek
There are certain books that feel like stepping into a memory—whether it’s one you actually lived or one you wish you had. The beloved This Is… series by Miroslav Sasek is exactly that kind of reading experience: nostalgic, stylish, and endlessly charming. And now, a new generation of readers (and their parents) gets to rediscover it.
On March 10, 2026, Rizzoli is relaunching four of Sasek’s most iconic titles—beautifully updated for today while preserving everything that made them classics in the first place.
A Fresh Look at Timeless Cities
This Is London · This Is Paris · This Is New York · This Is San Francisco
These four titles—This Is London, This Is Paris, This Is New York, and This Is San Francisco—invite readers on a visual journey through some of the world’s most iconic cities. Originally published between 1959 and 1962, they capture a moment in time when global travel was becoming more accessible and endlessly glamorous.
What makes these books so special isn’t just the destinations—it’s the perspective. Sasek’s illustrations are playful yet sophisticated, filled with movement, personality, and a deep affection for each city he portrays. From the cafés along the Seine to the buzz of Times Square, each page feels like a postcard brought to life.
What’s New in the 2026 Relaunch
This isn’t just a reprint—it’s a thoughtful revival.
Each book in the relaunched series includes:
Updated fact sheets with current statistics and modern context
Acknowledgement of cultural sensitivities, offering a more inclusive lens for today’s readers
A reduced trim size that feels fresh while maintaining the integrity of the originals
A paper-over-board hardcover design that makes these books as display-worthy as they are readable
The result? A collection that honors the past while speaking clearly to the present.
Why These Books Still Matter
There’s a reason the This Is… series has sold over 2 million copies worldwide—and continues to resonate decades later.
These books:
Spark curiosity about the world in young readers
Offer a stylish, design-forward reading experience that adults love just as much
Capture the romance of travel in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless
As The Atlantic once put it, they’re a “magic carpet ride” that opens young minds to the wider world. And honestly, that feels just as necessary now as it did in the 1960s.
A Perfect Addition to Your Shelf (or Coffee Table)
If you’re someone who loves:
beautifully illustrated children’s books
travel-inspired storytelling
vintage aesthetics with modern updates
or introducing your kids to the idea of exploring the world
…this series deserves a spot in your home.
They’re the kind of books you leave out on a coffee table, flip through on a quiet afternoon, or read together before dreaming up your next trip.
Final Thoughts
In a world that moves quickly, there’s something incredibly grounding about a book that invites you to slow down and look—really look—at a place.
The This Is… series does exactly that.
It reminds us that cities are more than landmarks—they’re stories, people, textures, and moments. And through Sasek’s eyes, they become something even more magical: a timeless invitation to explore.
