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alexgeorge's review against another edition
3.5
Great for considering more deeply about the city as an entity, and consequently what makes a good city. Also nice to see mentions of non-Western cities that differ from the traditional paradigmatic examples. The section on silicon valley did treat the creative class employed there quite weirdly though, as if they demand too much from their employer, and that the lack of division between work and home life is their doing, which neglects how the makeup of the rest of the city around them will influence the makeup of the artificial urbanism in these offices. Still a very minor issue, and im not personally a big fan of the creative class concept anyway so it is nice to see a heralding of Richard Florida's ideas.
rpcroke's review against another edition
3.0
This could be so good! When the author talks about the broader ideas of cities, their development, and their meaning, his writing is beautiful and his arguments are concise and convincing. For example, the last chapter, Crowds and Their Discontents, is a wonderful take on why people are drawn to crowds in spite of the fear they invoke. It is full of interesting yet brief anecdotes that get the point across beautifully. Where this book is good it's great.
I did find, however, that the author let his opinion cloud what could have been an extraordinarily compelling read. There are many sentences that are pure opinion, written so condescendingly, that is takes away from, I think, what may be a good point.
Moreover, there are two main criticisms I have; why is there a 30 page deep dive into Canary Wharf? Do we really need to know in detail how the developer's deals fell through and which firms were involved and why? And, the author contradicts himself and seems confused as to whether there should be strong regulation and urban planning or not. He is stubborningly critical of both sides.
In all I still think it's worth a go. My lukewarm review is based mostly on that it could have been a great read.
I did find, however, that the author let his opinion cloud what could have been an extraordinarily compelling read. There are many sentences that are pure opinion, written so condescendingly, that is takes away from, I think, what may be a good point.
Moreover, there are two main criticisms I have; why is there a 30 page deep dive into Canary Wharf? Do we really need to know in detail how the developer's deals fell through and which firms were involved and why? And, the author contradicts himself and seems confused as to whether there should be strong regulation and urban planning or not. He is stubborningly critical of both sides.
In all I still think it's worth a go. My lukewarm review is based mostly on that it could have been a great read.
mrears0_0's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.5
how cities evolve, fascinating
seeyf's review against another edition
2.0
Picked up this book because of the nice cover, but it fails to offer a central thesis in the manner that its title might suggest. Instead, it is structured more like a collection of essays, with special attention to London. I appreciated some parts of it, such as how the invention of the shipping container indirectly led to the development of Canary Wharf, and the deep involvement of developers and finance in shaping it, however the book lacked focus on a whole.
eggygoo's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
binge's review against another edition
3.0
Filled with fascinating facts and stories of major cities' defining moments, particularly the creation of Canary Wharf in London, but never seems to dig beneath the surface and offer any solid theory or insight.
zofoklecja's review against another edition
3.0
Too short to give any deep insight. There were some strong passages, but most of the time I found myself drifting.
therightprofile's review against another edition
3.0
An intriguing but short book on what or who makes a city, what makes a great and successful city? Could big business campuses such as Apple or Disneyland also be considered cities? The book prompts some intriguing questions and ideas...I learned about events and changes made in some cities I didn't know about before and certainly appreciate the book for that