56 pages 1 hour read

Jane Jacobs

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1961

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs critiques mid-20th-century urban planning theories and practices in the USA that have harmed cities and offers solutions for their revitalization. Jacobs explores the uses of sidewalks, the mechanisms necessary for neighborhood diversity, the forces contributing to urban decline, and suggests practical tactics for city improvement.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jane Jacobs's The Death and Life of Great American Cities is widely praised for its insightful critique of urban planning and advocacy for vibrant, community-driven neighborhoods. Critics appreciate its detailed observations and revolutionary ideas. However, some find her dismissal of modernist approaches overly harsh. Overall, it is considered essential reading for urban studies.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Death and Life of Great American Cities?

A reader interested in urban planning, sociology, or grassroots activism will enjoy Jane Jacobs's The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Fans of The Power Broker by Robert Caro and Neighborhoods and Urban Development by W. Dennis Keating will appreciate its critique of top-down city planning and advocacy for community-based urban renewal.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Sociology

Themes

Society: Community