Global Urban History

Author: Joel Kotkin (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Unlike other works on cities, Kotkin's book is truly a global perspective. For Kotkin, cities are not just "machines of life," but also reflect the intrinsic qualities of the region, such as spirituality, security, and vitality. From a macro perspective on the inheritance of urban life, the remarkable value of The Global City lies in its summary of humanity's classic pursuit. As a leading contemporary urban scholar in the United States, Kotkin provides a sweeping scan of urban history from the Mesolithic era to the modern era. Cities are the pillars of human civilization. In this sense, their authority holds even greater value. Urban scholar Joel Kotkin explores the evolution of cities and urban life over thousands of years. He begins with the religious origins of early Mesolithic walled cities, analyzes the market towns of ancient India and China, and guides us to the emergence of the "orthodox city." Further, he explains the rise of Byzantine and Middle Eastern cities, as well as Chinese cities, Venice and its subsequent commercial empires, and finally the industrial cities (from London, Chicago, and Tokyo to Shanghai and Detroit) of the post-industrial era and suburban realities today. The author places special emphasis on the study of cities in developing countries, interpreting with keen judgment the problems and crises these cities face in the 21st century.