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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “The classic text on real urbanism. Must read for anyone who wants to pretend to know anything at all about how cities really work--or don't.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“This woman is so intelligent. Her analysis of how cities are structured and what makes them vibrant and alive or dull and dying - is right on point. Reading this, you can really understand how she alone changed the entire way city space and use was thought about.”
Rebekah M wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Fascinating observations of the interactions of people with their cities, and as a bonus also full of humour”
Adrian wrote this review Sunday, September 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great book”
Brennan D wrote this review Tuesday, July 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of the most important books I have ever read. This book explains in common language the problems cities face and offers clear solutions. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever wondered what exactly is wrong with their home town. ”
James M wrote this review Tuesday, June 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Luckily, I fell into this as my introduction to thinking about urban design - it is one of the best. ”
raysaunders wrote this review Friday, June 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A fantastic read for a number of reasons. First of all, Jacobs states her thesis (people and their vibrant lifestyles are what make cities great) early and lays everything out in supremely organized fashion. Secondly, her ideas are solid and she backs them up well with illustrations and examples. Thirdly, she's an incredible writer. This is a book on the subject of urban planning, which could admittedly be a dry read, yet she makes it inviting. She's got an easy-to-read cadence and doesn't shy away from making things simple and fun when called for. Her passion for the subject really shines through; she exudes confidence.
PRC. wrote this review Thursday, June 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
My only complaint is that she likely could have written this in about half the number of pages. She's got a real thing for redundancy, hammering away at a point until it's almost too much. ”
“A must read for... anyone. This is an eye-opening book about the truth of how cities work. To me, it seems relevant in virtually every domestic topic. Crime, the economy, the environment, transportation, and on and on. I honestly believe that if every public official read this book, the world would be a better place. ”
Billy P wrote this review Saturday, April 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“The Death and Life of Great American Cities, along with Jacobs' other giant, The Econony of Cities, founded the field of urban economics. Everything else derives from her insights.”
Jim Z wrote this review Saturday, December 20 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Because I totally geek out on this stuff. She saved Greenwich Village by taking down (briefly) Robert Moses, then moved to Toronto to raise hell. When I grow up I want to be just like her, but with a better haircut!”
Tonya W wrote this review Friday, January 4 2008. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Everything I ever needed to know about living in New York City (or more specifically, HOW TO ENJOY living in New York City) I learned from this book. It's essentially about the wrongheaded approaches to urban planning that helped make NYC into such a war zone some decades past, but like any great book, it seems to touch on much more. Jacobs gets close to revealing the very nature of community, and the mad charm of city life in general. If you plan on moving to any city, anywhere in the world, and will be staying there for some time, definitely pack this in your suitcase. And if you plan on staying longer, be sure and get the hardcover!”
Jonathan V wrote this review Sunday, December 16 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
