If humankind can be said to have a single greatest creation, it
would be those places that represent the most eloquent expression
of our species's ingenuity, beliefs, and ideals: the city. In this
authoritative and engagingly written account, the acclaimed
urbanist and bestselling author examines the evolution of urban
life over the millennia and, in doing so, attempts to answer the
age-old question: What makes a city great?
Despite their infinite variety, all cities essentially serve three
purposes: spiritual, political, and economic. Kotkin follows the
progression of the city from the early religious centers of
Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China to the imperial centers of
the Classical era, through the rise of the Islamic city and the
European commercial capitals, ending with today's post-industrial
suburban metropolis.
Despite widespread optimistic claims that cities are "back in
style," Kotkin warns that whatever their form, cities can thrive
only if they remain sacred, safe, and busy-and this is true for
both the increasingly urbanized developing world and the often
self-possessed "global cities" of the West and East Asia.
Looking at cities in the twenty-first century, Kotkin discusses the
effects of developments such as shifting demographics and emerging
technologies. He also considers the effects of terrorism-how the
religious and cultural struggles of the present pose the greatest
challenge to the urban future.
Truly global in scope, The City is a timely narrative that will
place Kotkin in the company of Lewis Mumford, Jane Jacobs, and
other preeminent urban scholars.
"From the Hardcover edition."
General
| Imprint: |
Modern Library Inc
|
| Country of origin: |
United States |
| Series: |
Modern Library Chronicles, 21 |
| Release date: |
October 2006 |
| First published: |
October 2006 |
| Authors: |
Joel Kotkin
|
| Dimensions: |
202 x 131 x 13mm (L x W x T) |
| Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
| Pages: |
256 |
| ISBN-13: |
978-0-375-75651-1 |
| Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
Promotions
|
| LSN: |
0-375-75651-5 |
| Barcode: |
9780375756511 |
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