The Triumph of the City

I've run across some interesting reviews, so today's posts are taking a largely bookish turn. The first review I want draw your attention is this one from The Literary Review (HT to Arts & Letters Daily). The book is Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier and Happier by Edward L. Glaeser.

If the review is accurate reflection, Glaeser's book is reminiscent of some of the work by Jane Jacobs. She was also an advocate of the city - as an economic engine for ideas along with many other reasons.

Many of us choose to denigrate urban living and flee to the countryside. Yet it is often the city that provides us the means for what we envision as a more pastoral life that is sought but frequently not found. Despite the poverty that often arises in the megalopolis, people still head to it to find a chance at a better life. This book may have to go on my list of books to be read - I will have to dig deeper to decide whether it should be borrowed or needs to be acquired to gain a place in my library.