Ranging over 2;500 years; Cities in Civilization is a tribute to the city as the birthplace of Western civilization. Drawing on the contributions of economists and geographers; of cultural; technological; and social historians; Sir Peter Hall examines twenty-one cities at their greatest moments. Hall describes the achievements of these golden ages and outlines the precise combinations of forces -- both universal and local -- that led to each city's belle epoque.Hall identifies four distinct expressions of civic innovation: artistic growth; technological progress; the marriage of culture and technology; and solutions to evolving problems. Descriptions of Periclean Athens; Renaissance Florence; Elizabethan London; and nineteenth-century Vienna bring to life those seedbeds of artistic and intellectual creativity. Explorations of Manchester during the Industrial Revolution; of Henry Ford's Detroit; and of Palo Alto at the dawn of the computer age highlight centers of technological advances. Tales of the creation of Los Angeles' movie industry and the birth of the blues and rock 'n' roll in Memphis depict the marriage of culture and technology. Finally; Hall celebrates cities that have been forced to solve problems created by their very size. With Imperial Rome came the apartment block and aqueduct; nineteenth-century London introduced policing; prisons; and sewers; twentieth-century New York developed the skyscraper; and Los Angeles became the first city without a center; a city ruled instead by the car. And in a fascinating conclusion; Hall speculates on urban creativity in the twenty-first century.This penetrating study reveals not only the lives of cities but also the lives of the people who built them and created the civilizations within them. A decade in the making; Cities in Civilization is the definitive account of the culture of cities.
#335703 in Books W.W. Norton Co 2010-12-06Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.90 x .70 x 9.10l; 2.70 #File Name: 0393934934445 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great format; but mediocre read.By JVI really like the structure of the content. The authors cover eras encompassing all parts of the globe in each as opposed to studying certain regions individually. Additionally; there are supplementary insights and primary source material within each chapter; however; it does not have any fluidity and is a tough read. Nonetheless; not bad for an intro to World History.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful insights from a great team that invented this subjectBy J. Kayea wonderful book showing connections between different places in the world and different times. Makes history so much more interesting and enlightening than the normal one place one time approach. One of the Princeton author/professors sometimes gives free online courses on this topic (global history) on the novoed platform. Well worth doing - I did it last year; and intend to do it again when it comes up; probably next year. If you like history; you'll love this and the course. Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Presents conjectures as fact.By CustomerGreat example of many historical conjectures presented as fact with little to no evidence to support them. Poor authorship.
