The Great Cities in History

This book can indeed be seen as a work of history, for those who prefer to read it in such a light; but it is also about art and architecture, about trade and commerce, about travel and exploration, about economics and planning. Above all, it is about people: how they work and play, how they worship; and how, over the centuries, they have tackled the greatest of all social problems: how to live together in close proximity, yet also in harmony and concord. From the origins of urbanization in Mesopotamia to the global metropolises of today, great cities have marked the development of human civilization. The Great Cities in History tells their stories, from Uruk and Memphis to Tokyo and Sao Paulo. A galaxy of distinguished contributors evoke the character of each place - its people, its art and architecture, its government - and explain the reasons for its success. Richly illustrated with photographs, paintings, maps and plans, this volume is nothing less than a portrait of world civilization. ‘The book is packed with such savory detail, relayed by writers and historians who appear to eat, sleep and breathe their cities.’ – Wall Street Journal