New York, Chicago, Los Angeles: America's Global Cities

by Janet L. Abu-Lughod

Book by Abu-Lughod, Janet L.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Cities, School

592 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Janet Lippman Abu-Lughod was an American sociologist with major contributions to World-systems theory and Urban sociology.

Reviews

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amazone

Review for the generalist reader
6/10

As mentioned in another review, this book has been set as a college textbook. I am sure it fulfils that roile admirably. However, from the point of view of the generalist reader looking for something 'meaty' on the subject of American cities, I can't really recommend it.

It is full of rather dry statistics and facts. I was particularly interested in Los Angeles, and the book did provide some very useful background information, but it left me unsatisfied - I didn't come away with a 'feel' for the city in any human sense.

For a more passionate account of Los Angeles, still in a scholarly work, I can recommend 'The History of Forgetting' by Norman Klein.

Please don't feel I don't think this book isn't useful within its context, but if you are looking for something scholarly yet with some passion, you may well be disappointed in this book.

saliero

[Sally Edsall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been set as a college textbook. I am sure it fulfils that roile admirably. However, from the point of view of the generalist reader looking for something `meaty' on the subject of American cities, I can't really recommend it.

It is full of rather dry statistics and facts. I was particularly interested in Los Angeles, and the book did provide some very useful background information, but it left me unsatisfied - I didn't come away with a `feel' for the city in any human sense.

For a more passionate account of Los Angeles, still in a scholarly work, I can recommend `The History of Forgetting' by Norman Klein.

Please don't feel I don't think this book isn't useful within its context, but if you are looking for something scholarly yet with some passion, you may well be disappointed in this book.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most thought provoking and memorable studies I have ever read. Changed the way I think about cities - gave them a personality, a history, a culture and a gravitas. I've talked about this book for the last 10 years, and often lovingly pull it from my bookshelf and read a few pages. Awesome read.