This book follows the evolution of the very large city across the world from its origins in Ancient times to its current dominant position in both the industrialised world and the Third World. In-depth studies are devoted to the key giant cities of human history at decisive points in their growth. The case-studies include Rome, London, Saint-Petersburg, Moscow, Bangkok and Berlin. Additional studies deal with the general characteristics of the megalopolis, stressing its implications for cultural life.

This book follows the evolution of the very large city across the world from its origins in Ancient times to its current dominant position in both the industrialised world and the Third World. In-depth studies are devoted to the key giant cities of human history at decisive points in their growth. The case-studies include Rome, London, Saint-Petersburg, Moscow, Bangkok and Berlin. Additional studies deal with the general characteristics of the megalopolis, stressing its implications for cultural life.

Notes on the Contributors - Editor's Preface - A German Centenary in 1986, a French in 1995 or the Real Beginnings about 1905; T.Barker - The Beginnings of the Automobile in Germany; O.Nibel - The Motor Vehicle and the Revolution in Road Transport: The American Experience; J.B.Rae - The Early Growth of Long-distance Bus Transport in the United States; M.Walsh - Diesel Trucks and Buses: Their Gradual Spread in the United States; J.M.Laux - The Automobile and the City in the American South; D.R.Goldfield and B.A.Brownell - Some Economic and Social Effects of Motor Vehicles in France Since 1890; P.Fridenson - Why Did the Pioneer Fall Behind? Motorization in Germany Between the Wars; F.Blaich - Motorization on the New Frontier: the Case of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1906-34; G.T.Bloomfield - The Internal Combustion Engine and the Revolution in Transport: the Case of Czechoslovakia with some European Comparisons; J.Purs - Japan: the Late Starter who Outpaced all her Rivals; K.Shimokawa - Motor Transport in a Developing Area: Zaire, 1903-59; E.S.Tsund'olela - Motor Transport in a Developing Area: Soviet Central Asia; M.A.Akhunova, J.S.Borisov and B.A.Tulepbaev - Death on the Roads: Changing National Responses to Motor Accidents; J.Foreman-Peck - Advances in Road Construction Technology in France; D.Barjot - Index

Notes on the Contributors - Editor's Preface - A German Centenary in 1986, a French in 1995 or the Real Beginnings about 1905; T.Barker - The Beginnings of the Automobile in Germany; O.Nibel - The Motor Vehicle and the Revolution in Road Transport: The American Experience; J.B.Rae - The Early Growth of Long-distance Bus Transport in the United States; M.Walsh - Diesel Trucks and Buses: Their Gradual Spread in the United States; J.M.Laux - The Automobile and the City in the American South; D.R.Goldfield and B.A.Brownell - Some Economic and Social Effects of Motor Vehicles in France Since 1890; P.Fridenson - Why Did the Pioneer Fall Behind? Motorization in Germany Between the Wars; F.Blaich - Motorization on the New Frontier: the Case of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1906-34; G.T.Bloomfield - The Internal Combustion Engine and the Revolution in Transport: the Case of Czechoslovakia with some European Comparisons; J.Purs - Japan: the Late Starter who Outpaced all her Rivals; K.Shimokawa - Motor Transport in a Developing Area: Zaire, 1903-59; E.S.Tsund'olela - Motor Transport in a Developing Area: Soviet Central Asia; M.A.Akhunova, J.S.Borisov and B.A.Tulepbaev - Death on the Roads: Changing National Responses to Motor Accidents; J.Foreman-Peck - Advances in Road Construction Technology in France; D.Barjot - Index

Most books about Britain's transport history have concentrated upon canals and railways. It is now clear that a great deal of traffic went by road even before turnpikes, and that goods as well as passenger services were much more highly developed than used to be supposed. This book is an important survey of road transport over the past three centuries. The authors summarise the new evidence and arguments and explain why we need to take a longer view of the subject. They shed new light on the importance of horse-drawn freight in the eighteenth century before the introduction of turnpikes, offset the undue attention paid to the railways in the nineteenth century, and stress that motor transport's present great importance only dates from the 1950s. A full bibliography is provided for more extended study.

Most books about Britain's transport history have concentrated upon canals and railways. It is now clear that a great deal of traffic went by road even before turnpikes, and that goods as well as passenger services were much more highly developed than used to be supposed. This book is an important survey of road transport over the past three centuries. The authors summarise the new evidence and arguments and explain why we need to take a longer view of the subject. They shed new light on the importance of horse-drawn freight in the eighteenth century before the introduction of turnpikes, offset the undue attention paid to the railways in the nineteenth century, and stress that motor transport's present great importance only dates from the 1950s. A full bibliography is provided for more extended study.