The Lewis Mumford Reader

by Lewis Mumford

This volume brings together representative selections of Lewis Mumford's major writings on the central concerns of his life. Praised by Malcolm Cowley as "the last of the great humanists," Mumford (1895-1990) produced a body of cultural criticism and commentary that for its range and richness is unmatched in modern American letters. Author of countless articles and more than thirty books - including the landmark works The Culture of the Cities and The City in History - Mumford is arguably this century's foremost architectural critic. In addition, he shaped some of the most important public policy debates of our time, writing with vigor on such issues as urban development, transportation policy, land planning, the environment, nuclear disarmament, and the problems and promises of technology.

Genres: Sociology, Philosophy, History, Essays, Technology, Cultural, Urban Studies

391 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Lewis Mumford (October 19, 1895 – January 26, 1990) was an American historian and philosopher of technology and science. Particularly noted for his study of cities and urban architecture, he had a tremendously broad career as a writer that also included a period as an influential literary critic. Mumford was influenced by the work of Scottish theorist Sir Patrick Geddes.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while I come across a book or just an idea and I wonder how I made it this many years without hearing of it. How did my education fail me? Everyone should have at least heard of Lewis Mumford.