56 pages • 1 hour read
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
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Book Brief
458
Book • Nonfiction
1960s
1961
Adult
18+ years
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.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
19,551 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
19,551 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robert Moses
Robert Moses
An influential but controversial urban planner known for his extensive infrastructure projects in New York, including the never-realized Lower Manhattan Expressway, which faced opposition from Jane Jacobs and her supporters.
458
Book • Nonfiction
1960s
1961
Adult
18+ years
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