The city in history
its origins, its transformations, and its prospects
by Lewis Mumford · first published 1961
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5HN commenters
2013–2021first – last mentioned
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Examines the development and nature of the city from Egypt to Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages to the modern world.
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It's fascinating to see how some of the main constructs that help define a city ie. major roads, intersections, are still highly visible and intact over 100 years later. Would recommend "The City in History" by Lewis Mumford. Great read about how cities have formed, died, and some renewed throughout history.
on “Recreating the oldest aerial photo” ↗…"House" - haven't read it yet. "Last Harvest: How a Cornfield Became New Daleville" by Witold Rybczynski Follows the evolution of a farm field into a subdivision. . A little more challenging: "The City in History" by Lewis Mumford Best described as a "Tome" - a staple in intro level planning classes. "building Construction Illustrated" by Francis Ching A good illustrated primer on basic residential construction…
on “Ask HN: Which books are “must-read” for anyone trying to learn about your field?” ↗If you're interested in the history of this sort of thing Lewis Mumford's 'The City In History' is a fantastic read. Brilliantly researched and presented in a very non-dry way.
on “The SimCity Planning Commission Handbook” ↗…engagement are Jane Jacob's Death and Life of Great American Cities, William Whyte's Organization Man, C. Wright Mills' White Collar, Murray Bookchin's The Limits of the City, and Lewis Mumford's The City in History. I think most of these would be good candidates for "undead" status. A few years ago there was an interesting symposium revisiting the argument in light of changes in the public sphere: https://www.chronicle.com/specialreport/After-The-Last/16
on “The Books That Wouldn’t Die” ↗…absolute ruler, who will live long enough to complete their own conceptions. To alter this type of plan, to introduce fresh elements of another style, is to break its esthetic backbone. — Lewis Mumford, The City in History
on “Why Tech Moguls Are Obsessed with Building Utopian Cities” ↗