Cities of the World: World Regional Urban Development - Hardcover

Cities of the World offers a general overview of contemporary urbanization. It divides the world into 11 regions (e.g., Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle American, Caribbean) and for each discusses trends in urban growth, the distinctive forms and characteristics of its cities, and future prospects and challenges. These regional chapters open with two lists: key facts and key themes. Basic aspects of urban development (e.g., population size and change, economic activity, public services, urban problems) are covered. Short regional histories are provided; and distinctive or representative cities (e.g., Buenos Aires for South America and Kinshasa for sub-Saharan Africa) are given capsule descriptions. The editors (all academic geographers) begin with an introductory chapter on world urban development and end by reflecting on what cities might be like in the future... Suggested readings for each chapter are included... A basic introduction, Cities of the World is best used as a textbook. Summing Up: Recommended. CHOICE Cities of the World provides an exceptionally insightful, accessible window into the nature and changing character of contemporary cities. The global coverage of the book makes it possible for readers to appreciate the continuities and contrasts that define urban realms in different parts of the world. With essays penned by a series of distinguished contributors, and with introductory and concluding essays that draw out larger issues and themes, the book offers an unrivaled portrait of the places that are driving much of what happens in the world today. -- Alexander B. Murphy, University of Oregon

Remarkably, more than half of the world's population now lives in cities, and the numbers grow daily as people abandon rural areas. This fully updated and revised fifth edition of the classic text offers readers a comprehensive set of tools for understanding the urban landscape, and, by extension, the world's politics, cultures, and economies. Providing a sweeping overview of world urban geography, a group of noted experts explores the eleven major global regions. Each author presents the region's urban history, economy, culture, and society, as well as urban spatial models and problems and prospects. Environmental, human security, globalization, and cyberspace topics are fully developed as well. Vignettes of seventy-eight key cities give the reader a vivid understanding of daily life and the "spirit of place." An introductory chapter presents an overview of key terms and concepts, and a concluding chapter projects the world's urban future. Liberally illustrated with a new selection of photographs, maps, and diagrams, the text also includes a rich array of textboxes to highlight key topics ranging from gender and the city to Islamic fashion and global warming. Bibliographic sources, websites, and an appendix of UN data provide additional resources for helping students understand more about the urban world. Clearly written and timely, Cities of the World will be invaluable for those teaching introductory or advanced classes on global cities, regional geography, and urban studies. Contributions by: Amal K. Ali, Lisa Benton-Short, Alana Boland, Tim Brothers, Stanley D. Brunn, Kam Wing Chan, Ipsita Chatterjee, Megan Dixon, Robyn Dowling, Ashok K. Dutt, Irma Escamilla, Rina Ghose, Brian J. Godfrey, Mark Graham, Angela Gray-Subulwa, Jessica K. Graybill, Maureen Hays-Mitchell, Corey Johnson, Nathaniel M. Lewis, Linda McCarthy, Pauline McGuirk, Garth A. Myers, Arnisson Andre Ortega, Francis Owusu, George M. Pomeroy, Joseph L. Scarpaci, Dona J. Stewart, James A. Tyner, and Donald J. Zeigler.