55 pages • 1 hour read
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336
Book • Nonfiction
Global • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
The Address Book by Deirdre Mask explores the global history, cultural significance, and social implications of street names and addresses, examining their impact through historical research, personal anecdotes, and interviews. Mask investigates efforts to formalize street addresses, debates over naming and renaming streets, and the challenges faced by unhoused individuals without permanent addresses. Topics include racism and apartheid.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
9,153 ratings
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The Address Book by Deirdre Mask offers an intriguing exploration of how street addresses impact identity, social status, and civic life. Reviews commend its enlightening global perspective and engaging narrative. Yet, some readers find uneven pacing and scattered focus. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that blends history, sociology, and personal stories effectively.
Readers who enjoy The Address Book by Deirdre Mask are typically fascinated by the intersections of geography, history, and social justice. They will find it engaging if they appreciated books like The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner or How the Post Office Created America by Winifred Gallagher.
9,153 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Subhashis Nath
A project manager for Addressing the Unaddressed, an NGO in Kolkata that provides unique postal addresses to people in unplanned settlements using location codes.
Kevin Lynch
An influential American urban planner known for his work on mental mapping, whose concepts are applied by Mask to describe how ancient Romans navigated their city.
Rowland Hill
A British social reformer responsible for modernizing the UK's postal system by introducing the Penny Post, which led to greater consideration of organized street naming.
William Penn
The founder of Philadelphia who implemented a grid-iron street pattern, exemplifying early American city planning and the use of numbered streets.
Melvin White
A community activist and founder of Beloved Streets of America, who works to revitalize streets named after Martin Luther King, Jr. into thriving cultural hubs.
336
Book • Nonfiction
Global • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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