Play Audiobook Sample
The Death and Life of Great American Cities: 50th Anniversary Edition Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 4,078 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Thirty years after its publication, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was described by The New York Times as "perhaps the most influential single work in the history of town planning....[It] can also be seen in a much larger context. It is first of all a work of literature; the descriptions of street life as a kind of ballet and the bitingly satiric account of traditional planning theory can still be read for pleasure even by those who long ago absorbed and appropriated the book's arguments." Jane Jacobs, an editor and writer on architecture in New York City in the early sixties, argued that urban diversity and vitality were being destroyed by powerful architects and city planners. Rigorous, sane, and delightfully epigrammatic, Jacobs's small masterpiece is a blueprint for the humanistic management of cities. It is sensible, knowledgeable, readable, indispensable. The author has written a new foreword for this Modern Library edition.
Download and start listening now!
"this is an amazing book. it is especially great is you either live in NY or have an interest in NY. written 40 years ago, Jane Jacobs' thoughts are still just as applicable today as they were when she published them. it is at times a heavy read, but very informative and worth the effort."
— antonia (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Jacobs’ once-revolutionary work about urban planning has become a classic…Donna Rawlins’s rich alto carries Jacobs’ detailed analysis magnificently. Rawlins understands she’s reading an important book. Occasionally, her voice expresses delight at one of Jacobs’ succinct, powerful observations. Rawlins’ presentation is always clear and consistent. Many important urban planning texts do not lend themselves to audio, but this wonderful book is an exception. Even those who have read it many times before will find it still worth a listen. Those new to the work will find listening a revelation.”
— AudioFile -
“One of the most remarkable books ever written about the city…The research apparatus is not pretentious—it is the eye and the heart—but it has given us a magnificent study of what gives life and spirit to the city.”
— William H. Whyte, New York Times bestselling author -
“Refreshing, provocative, stimulating, and exciting… It fairly crackles with bright honesty and common sense.”
— New York Times -
"The most refreshing, provacative, stimulating and exciting study of this [great problem] which I have seen. It fairly crackles with bright honesty and common sense.
— The New York Times -
Magnificent ... Describes with brilliant specificity what works and what doesn't in cities, in language that is fearless and crisp as a trumpet blast.
— Rebecca Solnit -
Perhaps the most influential single work in the history of town planning... Jacobs has a powerful sense of narrative, a lively wit, a talent for surprise and the ability to touch the emotions as well as the mind
— The New York Times Book Review -
One of the most remarkable books ever written about the city ... a primary work. The research apparatus is not pretentious—it is the eye and the heart—but it has given us a magnificent study of what gives life and spirit to the city.
— William H. Whyte, author of The Organization Man
Awards
-
Winner of Sidney Hillman Prize, 1961
The Death and Life of Great American Cities Listener Reviews
-
" Still working on it. Currently not so stoked on her generalist negative view of parks, but understand the dilemma! "
— kathryn, 2/8/2014 -
" It brought New York city to life. "
— Nathan, 2/7/2014 -
" outside intellectual + citizen activist + urban planning + influence = must read. May be a bit dated, but she has insights that I guarantee you, some of which, you have never thought of (like the importance of trucks for cities.) "
— S, 2/3/2014 -
" The seminal book on good urban planning. "
— Scott, 1/10/2014 -
" I was inspired to read this book after watching the PBS special on New York and learning about the good and the bad of Robert Moses. "
— Caren, 1/4/2014 -
" Every self-respecting urban planning geek must read this. "
— Demetria, 12/28/2013 -
" Send a copy of this book to your mayor. "
— Gregory's, 12/20/2013 -
" An easy, and incredibly interesting read. "
— M, 12/18/2013 -
" This was a good book that everyone who has an opinion on how cities should be developed should read before they form their opinion. "
— Ray, 12/18/2013 -
" Jane Jacobs insights opposing the zeitgeist of city building we remarkable and remain so to this day. Only today her concepts of sidewalks and streetlife as central to a community are seen as commonplace. The book is neat, but dry like the textbook it is. "
— carl, 12/15/2013 -
" no book has ever had a more profound effect on my thought processes or life direction. "
— Megan, 10/30/2013
About Jane Jacobs
Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) was a writer and activist who championed new approaches to urban planning for more than forty years. Her 1961 treatise The Death and Life of Great American Cities became perhaps the most influential American text about the inner workings and failings of cities, inspiring generations of urban planners and activists. Her efforts to stop the building of downtown expressways and protect local neighborhoods invigorated community-based urban activism and helped end Parks Commissioner Robert Moses’ reign of power in New York City.
About Donna Rawlins
Donna Rawlins is an accomplished and successful songwriter, vocalist, and female voice-over artist. She has read a wide range of audiobooks—from Jane Heller’s Female Intelligence to novels by Suzanne Brockmann, Tami Hoag, and Dana Reinhardt. Her voice-over work can also be heard on numerous educational programs, commercials, documentaries, PSAs, and featured voice parts in various films such as Citizen Ruth.