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27th out of 39 books
—
19 voters
The City: A Global History (Modern Library Chronicles #21)
by
Joel Kotkin
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...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
October 10th 2006
by Modern Library
(first published January 1st 2005)
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If you're looking for a good starting point for Cities 101 - an introduction to urban centres - Kotkin's The City is a pretty decent choice. The City surveys the development of urban centres over the ages and across various geographies and cultural milieux; the classical cities in Europe e.g. the Greek city states and Rome, the cities in ancient China and those during the Islamic golden ages, European cities during the Renaissance, cities during the Industrial Age and modern day metropolises in...more
A good, easy, read, like a children's encycloepaedia -- full of fun facts and sharp observations. The narrative is too broad and overarching to really rigourously argue through many of the historical factors Kotkin gives credence to in the (typically) rapid rise and slow decay of cities and civilisations but nonetheless probably a good first explanation of the structural themes to hang a hat on.
His three explanations for a city's longevity bear further thought:
1). Security -- people can safely...more
His three explanations for a city's longevity bear further thought:
1). Security -- people can safely...more
The author writes plainly, a style I enjoy. He does, however, write with a noticeable bias, preferring all things Roman and American. The topic proves too massive for the 150 page pamphlet. In an effort to give some kind of perspective to an otherwise poorly written book, the author writes an introduction and conclusion - mostly personal opinions - about what he thinks the book conveys. These prove to be the most interesting part of the book. The other 130 pages are just descriptions of cities.
R...more
R...more
Lacks any sort of common theme; very anecdotal for a history book. More of a random collection of historical sketches of ancient towns than a proper book.
Pretty good, but not about cities in the way you'd imagine. Instead of looking at the nitty gritty of cities, Kotkin instead takes a historical overview, looking at the macro factors that have caused cities to arise, led to their flourishing, and occasionally to their decline or fall. Think Civilization instead of SimCity. The only downside is that you don't really get as much critical examination of different theories of the city, and Kotkin's final few pages are pretty questionable. It's a ver...more
A noted French theologian Jacques Ellul once said that since the fall, man has been trying to create ordered heaven that has been lost, and that is man-made city. This book is a look of great cities from ancient times to our "post industrial sub-urban metropolis" [whatever it means:].
The author argues win all ages and context, a city must serve 3 functions: Economic, Political & Spiritual. What I'm eager to see is how the author address the issue of social dynamics found in every civilizatio...more
The author argues win all ages and context, a city must serve 3 functions: Economic, Political & Spiritual. What I'm eager to see is how the author address the issue of social dynamics found in every civilizatio...more
In this book, the author put forth the thesis that three elements are necessary for a city to be great.
The first of these three elements will be provision of security and safety. Secondly, economic dynamism. And thirdly, a set of values which binds people to the city.
The author also provides a chronological overview of how different cities emerged and later declined.
Yet, it will perhaps been better if, instead of adopting a chronological narrative approach, the author focused on a few key cities...more
The first of these three elements will be provision of security and safety. Secondly, economic dynamism. And thirdly, a set of values which binds people to the city.
The author also provides a chronological overview of how different cities emerged and later declined.
Yet, it will perhaps been better if, instead of adopting a chronological narrative approach, the author focused on a few key cities...more
Un libro ambicioso que cubre la historia de la Ciudad y el asentamiento urbano. Desde Ur, hasta las megaciudades del siglo XXI como Shanghai, México y otras. Identifica los elementos claves que hacen que la sociedad elija vivir en una determinada urbe y nos hace comprender su "auge y caída". Por supuesto que el libro relata la historia y no se detiene en las causas profundas de cada una de las ciudades trabajadas pero hay numerosas notas y referencias para el lector que quiera profundizar en el...more
Good illustration of the fluid nature of cities and the goals and principles that cause cities to exist. This book uses examples throughout history, from the first known settlements to our current cities. This is a good supplement to Economy of Cities by Jane Jacobs.
Kotkin's survey of urban history is trite at best. The fact that the publisher felt compelled to include a adulatory blurb by, of all people, the former mayor of Houston just about says it all.
Maybe I've read far too many books on cities at this point, but this book didn't do it for me. I felt like the examples were too brief, and the language too dry.
Kotkin covers the cycles of urbanized civilization and the factors behind them, from Mesopatamia to present day, in less than 200 pages.
Ugh. This book was way to underdeveloped. If you know anything about history than you should probably just skim it. I found that I knew most of the information and it was just like reading little blurbs from a lecture.
Occasionally infuriating, but mostly good.
This is a pithy historical account the life and death of cities (and their respective empires) throughout the duration of civilization. Fascinating, and very straightforward. No fluff, just a straight chronology and analysis. The really juicy bit is the list of sources cited--were you to take on each and every work in the list, you would probably be qualified to recieve a PHD in Urban Planning History and theory.
The last 5 years have shown how terribly wrong Kotkin's modern take has been.
This is an easy-to-read overview of the invention and growth of cities. It is very short, so don't expect lots of facts or details. It does provide an outline of the development of The City as a human artifact. The author has opinions, which are clearly stated. Still worth while reading if you have an interest in the place of the city in cultural development.
This book could easily be a 1200 page tome, but Kotkin skims the surface in his global history. But in his pithiness he sheds light on undeniable patterns in the human tendencies toward urbanism. Interesting how his analysis comes full circle, and leaves you uncertain about the future of cities as a healthy human phenomenon (they were once, you know!)...
An inspiring book that made me travel in space and time comparing the evolution of cities in different cultures. From spontaneous settlements to entirely planned metropolises, it brings to light the sometimes hidden connections between urban development and politics, economics and faith.
I actually only got through half of this one because it made me contemplate indications of the fall of America a all these other amazing cities had fallen and with the state of affairs i could not handle this doom and gloom.
Really interesting read and a job well done considering its scope and number of pages!
Pleasurable stroll through time, though rather devoid of many critical insights. Enjoyed it from a history perspective, but less from a sociological perspective.
A nice summary, but nothing substantial.
Nov 12, 2007
Margaret
marked it as to-read
heard him speak on NPR's Word for Word about his work with cities to make them more sustainable and people centric.
need to read more on this...
need to read more on this...
A nice high-level overview of the basic environmental, social, economic, religious, and cultural underpinnings of cities through time.
I enjoyed some of the history and how cities have been built over time, but sometimes I felt the book was disengaging.
Um, the shortest and most vague history of human civilization I've ever come across.
A very broad view of cities and urban centers. Some interesting facts.
Should REALLY be titled A brief and concise history of cities.
finished over the long new year weekend ... readable history of the development of urbanization over the past several millennia but ends with a depressing assessment that we are all destined for the suburbs
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