This book attests to the multi-faceted talent of Van der Heyden, a painter whose love for his city was shown not only in his meticulous paintings but also in his concrete efforts to solve civic problems. Working with his brother, Van der Heyden developed a highly improved fire engine- with a light-weight pump and flexible hose --- and went on to become fire chief of Amsterdam. Years later, he publicized his invention in this book illustrated with his own designs, some of which he etched himself.

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