In this book, Jane Jacobs, building on the work of her debut, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, investigates the delicate way cities balance the interplay between the domestic production of goods and the ever-changing tide of imports. Using case studies of developing cities in the ancient, pre-agricultural world, and contemporary cities on the decline, like the financially irresponsible New York City of the mid-sixties, Jacobs identifies the main drivers of urban prosperity and growth, often via counterintuitive and revelatory lessons.
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“The book is…timely, and if it will irritate some of the experts it will also help bring some neglected issues and theories into public focus. This…has always been Mrs. Jacobs’ most notable talent and her most constructive contribution.”
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New York Times Book Review